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THE Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Saturday observed that the reason given by the Zamfara State governor, Bello Matawalle, for defecting to the All Progressives Congress (APC) reinforced the stance that the APC and its government are responsible for banditry, terrorism and kidnapping ravaging the state.
Matawalle had been quoted as saying that he joined the ruling party to get the Federal Government to end insecurity in his state.
PDP’s position was contained in a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, which noted that in stating that he has finally joined the APC, he will “have the full backing of the Federal Government to fight insecurity,” Matawalle further exposed the fact that the APC was never committed to fighting insecurity, but apparently fuelling it for political gains.
The PDP stated that the statement by the governor further confirmed that “the APC has been promoting insecurity, particularly terrorism and kidnapping for ransom in various parts of the country as a way to create an emergency situation to cover its atrocities, siphon public funds as well as intimidate and coerce state governors elected on the platform of other political parties to join its fold.”
The main opposition party recalled how Governor Matawalle had been under pressure by the APC-led Federal Government with the imposition of no-flight zone as well as threats of a state of emergency in the state.
The statement added: “Nigerians now know those behind the violent abductions, kidnapping and other acts of terrorism in the state and other parts of the country as well as why the situation has continued to escalate under the APC.
“It is, indeed, atrocious and most unpardonable that the APC is using the blood of innocent and helpless Nigerians for its political gains as well as to create a gory merchandise for its leaders and cronies.
“PDP holds that by this confession, it is, therefore, clear that Governor Matawalle did not defect to the APC because the party has any democratic credential as erroneously claimed by the APC national leader, Senator Bola Tinubu, but only surrendered to intimidation and cowardly joined those behind the killings and acts of violence in Nigeria.
“Of course, the APC, as a party of political bandits, does not have any democratic credentials to attract well-meaning and patriotic Nigerians.
“Governor Matawalle must, however, note that joining such individuals, who have brought so much anguish and pain to his people, is an unpardonable act of betrayal which will continue to act as an albatross, particularly against the backdrop of his own vows.
“On the reclaiming of the governorship mandate, the PDP described Matawalle’s boast as the feeble kick of a disoriented and confused deserter, stressing that the 1999 Constitution (as amended) is clear on the responsibilities of a deputy governor that finds himself under an absconding governor like Matawalle.”
Governor Matawalle had been quoted as saying in an interview: “I decided to change (political party) so that I can bring peace to my state.
“Now that we all belong to the ruling party, I now have the full backing of the federal government to fight insecurity.”
However, elated over Matawalle’s defection, the immediate past national chairman of the APC, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, described Matawalle as a man of courage, conscience, principles and honour. In a personal letter to Matawalle which was made available to newsmen in Benin by his media aide, Mr Victor Oshioke, the former Edo State governor praised the governor, writing that it takes a man of courage, conscience, principles and honour to make this long-awaited move which not many politicians in Nigeria will have the audacity to undertake.
