The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has strongly condemned the demolition of a plaza belonging to Attom Magira, a chieftain of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) in Borno State. The party described the demolition as “wicked, cowardly, and a direct recipe for crisis in the state.”
According to Amos Adziba, the state Publicity Secretary of the PDP, the demolition was not only an act of hatred and political intolerance but also a furtherance of the All Progressives Congress (APC) administration’s plot to intimidate and silence opposition in the state and the country at large.
The PDP cautioned the APC and the Borno State government against crossing the boundaries and stretching the forbearance of the people, which it stated was already causing tension that could trigger serious unrest in the state.
The demolition of Magira’s plaza is not an isolated incident. The Borno State government had earlier in February ordered the arrest of Magira over a billboard sponsored by supporters of the “Yes To Merger” campaign, which called for a merger of political parties in the state. Magira was subsequently charged before the State High Court of Justice with the Borno State government as the complainant.
The PDP has dismissed the reasons given by the Borno State Geographic Information Service and the state government for the demolition, saying that they are baseless, false, and incongruous. The party also described the claim by the government as a mere attempt to take over the property.
The demolition has been widely condemned, with many seeing it as an act of political vendetta. The PDP has assured Magira of its support and cautioned the state government to steer clear of the property.
The incident has also raised concerns about the growing trend of political intolerance in the country. The PDP has urged Nigerians to note that the demolition of property belonging to opposition leaders and other Nigerians perceived to be opposed to the APC’s administration has become a policy of the APC.
In a related development, the NNPP has disowned Magira, its former senatorial candidate for Borno Central senatorial district in the 2023 elections. However, the PDP has stood by Magira, condemning the demolition of his plaza and urging the state government to respect the rights of opposition leaders.
The incident has also sparked a debate about the role of the government in regulating political activities and the need for political tolerance in a democratic society. As the country prepares for future elections, the incident serves as a reminder of the importance of respecting the rights of opposition leaders and promoting political tolerance.