How APC thugs destroyed my car during Atiku’s Gombe campaign – Ex Gov Dankwambo’s Deputy COS
Gombe politician whose car was vandalised recently during Atiku Abubakar’s campaign at Pantami Stadium, narrates ordeal in this interview with CHIMA AZUBUIKE.
Can you introduce yourself? Hon. Sagir Haruna, a former Gombe State House of Assembly member and ex Deputy Chief of Staff to former Governor Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo. I’m a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in Gombe State.
You were at the stadium for the campaign? Yeah, I was there for the presidential campaign of our president Atiku Abubakar. He was there in Gombe for his campaign, especially to drum supports for the Peoples Democratic Party ahead of the 2023 general elections.
How did your car get vandalised? It was destroyed by suspected APC thugs while it was parked by the road side. Due to the mammoth crowd parking was difficult, so we just found a space to clear outside the stadium before the sad occurrence.
How did you manage to escape? I was not in the car, but my Personal Assistant who was with the car, had to run away for his safety am sure if he didn’t do that they may cause him bodily harm.
Have you reported the damage, what have authorities said about the attack? Sure, Immediately it happened i reported the case to the police in Pantami Division. I’m very certain that investigation is ongoing.
What will you want as compensation? I will be happy if the police goes after the culprit after thorough investigation and there after prosecute the perpetrators of the heinous crime. This will to a large extent serve as deterrent to those causing trouble at campaign grounds.
Is your presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar, aware about your loss, what has he done so far? I don’t know whether Alh. Atiku Abubakar, is aware or not but I reported it to my party leaders. The party secretariat is aware and the media also reported it. The news about my car destruction was viral across many platforms.
How come your property was an object of attack? Just because I’m a member of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and as former State House of Assembly member and also as a former Deputy Chief of Staff. I have a great followership among the electorates. Investigations revealed that was done on purpose to intimidate the opposition and it was alleged they were sent by the All Progressives Congress (APC), state youth leader.
How did you know the vandals were sponsored by the APC?
I said suspected APC thugs, it’s an allegation though, but some of them were identified as APC members by those that were at the crime scene, though investigation is still going on. I personally saw some of them running after they had perpetrated the crime.
What advice will you give to supporters especially during presidential campaigns? Supporters should cultivate the attitude of being law abiding. Campaign should be done in an honest manner, and not create room for destruction of opposition’s property. We in the PDP, we will never encourage violence, we will continue to promote peaceful electioneering process. However, we are confident that we will triumph in a rancor-free atmosphere because the people are tired of suffering and they know PDP has got the answers to so many challenges bedeviling our country and state.
Are you discouraged, will you still be participating in further campaigns going forward? Never will I be discouraged by this their act, it makes me to be more focused on rescuing Nigeria from APC misrule. That’s the purpose of the attack to create in the minds of the people a situation of violence, chaos with this they want opposition to be scared and remain aloof to the happenings. It will shock them to know that we are not discouraged and we will never be until the wishes of the people becomes a reality. This has gingered us to expect the unexpected but we are resolute that the wishes of the people is to elect Alhaji Atiku Abubakar for President and Muhammad Jibrin Barde, as Governor as well as Dr. Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo, as Senator Gombe North Senatorial District.
What is the hope for Peaceful polls in 2023 vis a vis the level of violence ? It’s not going to be easy, the election might be violent in some places, but it is the job of security agencies to ensure a peaceful atmosphere that will allow for smooth electioneering process to be held. It is their duty to carry out their duties in a way that will ensure that we have a free, fair and credible election. I urge all well meaning citizens to be prayerful for the election to come and go peacefully. Supporting Security Agencies with credible information is the least we can do.
What are the chances of your candidate ahead of the 2023 polls?
His Excellency Atiku Abubakar will win the election by the grace of Allah, across the whole country. This is because our candidate is a unifier and also well accepted by the youths, women, elders and elites. He is a detrablised Nigerian. A man of so many part, he has over the years portrayed traits of someone who understands the issues affecting the country, one who will be willing to find lasting solutions to them. Talking about is chances, I believe his chances are bright. A vote for him will go a long way to ensure prosperity.
