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I’m not connected to violence APC unleashed on my community – Rafiu Ibrahim

 

The senator representing Kwara South at the National Assembly, Rafiu Ibrahim, last night distanced himself from the attack on his community by suspected thugs.
The incident which happened in Ojoku, Oyun local government area on Tuesday led to destruction of party vehicles and attack on persons by the suspected thugs.
The Kwara State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) have pointed accusing fingers at each other over the incident.
This is coming just as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)  rescheduled the Presidential and National Assembly election for Saturday.
But speaking on the issue last night in a text message to this reporter, Rafiu accused the APC in the state for the fracas adding that he has never been associated with violence in his politics.
While calling on both supporters of the parties to embrace peace and go out to cast their votes on Saturday for their preferred candidates, Senator Ibrahim said Senator Lola Ashiru and all other candidates of the APC from the Ibolo axis remains his brother.
He emphasised the need for them to come together and join hands to development Ibolo nation.
The text message read in full:
“I am absolutely not connected to the violence the APC unleashed on my harmless community. I have been in opposing side of Arch. Lola Ashiru since 2011 and I’ve never had issue with him. I have no issue with all major members of his campaign team including my brothers; Prince Saheed Popoola and Femi White talk less of thinking evil about them.
“Election to me is like a game of football (you either win or lose) and I’ve never been known for violence. Before and after election, Arch Lola Ashiru remains my big brother of Ibolo nation.
“Let’s join hands to preach peace and development of Ibolo and Kwara at large. I implore our supporters to embrace peace and go out on Saturday to cast their votes peacefully. I remain a proud representative of all Kwara Southerners that have no grudge against all my brothers and sisters home and abroad”.


…PDP condemns attack

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kwara State has condemned Tuesday’s attack on its members and supporters in Ojoku, Oyun local government area by political thugs allegedly loyal to the Kwara South senatorial candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Arch. Lola Ashiru.
Ojoku is the hometown of the PDP senatorial candidate for Kwara south, Senator Rafiu Ibrahim.
The party said the rioting APC thugs who were on the campaign train of Ashiru shot no fewer than eight PDP members during the attack. The victims are currently receiving treatment at the Offa General Hospital and other private hospitals.
In a statement by its State Chairman, (Engr.) Kola Shittu on Wednesday, the PDP condemned the violent attack on its members and asked security agencies to immediately arrest and prosecute the perpetrators and their sponsors.
Shittu described the attack as unfortunate, ill-conceived and barbaric, stressing that the attack has yet again revealed the violent disposition of the APC.
“This latest brazen attack on our members and supporters in Ojoku has yet again further showcased the violent disposition of the APC, which we have always alerted Kwarans and security agencies to. It is also a clear indication that the APC is synonymous to vioand is ready to do anything to achieve its rabid and desperate desire to hijack power.
“We understand that this attack is part of the plot by the APC to throw Kwara into chaos and bloodletting so that INEC can shift election and later conduct a staggered election in the State. It is unfortunate that while the PDP is preparing for the elections, the APC is busy orchestrating plots to unleash violence on our candidates and members in order to achieve its aim of having a staggered election in Kwara.
“We invite the media, local and foreign observers, Nigerians and all lovers of democracy to stand against this dangerous plot of the APC. We insist that no matter the antics and desperation of the APC, election must hold in Kwara simultaneously with that of other states.
“While we call on our peace-loving members and supporters in Ojoku not to launch any reprisal attack, we would want to place it on record that we will no longer tolerate such acts of violence on our members.
“The PDP also restates its commitment to the conduct of a peaceful and credible elections in Kwara where the people shall through the ballot choose their representatives and leaders”, the statement added.

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