The All Progressives Congress (APC) Senatorial candidate for Taraba South Senatorial District of Taraba State , Danjuma Shiddi has alleged that, there is widespread intimidation of political opponents and their supporters in Taraba State.
He disclosed this at a press briefing at the National Assembly on Thursday saying that, the development is putting democracy under threat in the state.
He alleged that, his supporters are being unnecessarily intimidated ahead of the forthcoming 2023 general elections as the Director General of his campaign organisation, Suma’ila Yakubu was allegedly abducted by Security agents on trumped-up charges of inciting members of the public to go violent.
Shiddi who is presently the member representing Wukari/Ibi Federal constituency in the House of Representatives is contesting for the senate seat with the Taraba State Governor, Darius Ishaku.
He informed that, what is happening in Taraba is dangerous to democracy adding that, if nothing was not done to address the ugly political development in the state, it will undermine democracy.
He said, “Hon Sumaila, the DG of my Campaign Organization was whisked away in a commando-style operation on Monday by a combined team of Security operatives led by the Personnel of the Nigeria Police Force.
“He was severely beaten up, with wounds all over his body, stripped naked before being whisked to detention where he still remained till now.
“The trumped-up charges cannot be farther from the truth as there were even video recordings of the victim placating the people not to resort to violence over going-ons in the political happenings in Taraba, but allow peace to reign to smoothen out frayed nerves”.
He informed that, lamented that, an almost impossible bail condition of N50 million was imposed when the case came up at the State High Court on Thursday.
He said that, other conditions also required that, two first class- chiefs, and two top civil servants of Permanent Secretary grade were required to stand surety for the detained campaign DG before he could be released.
Shidi however said, necessary legal options were being taken to see that the campaign DG is released adding that, the APC national headquarters was being kept abreast of the development.
The lawmaker noted that, the high-handedness being exhibited by the PDP controlled Taraba State Government against the opposition can derail democracy and threaten peace in the State.
According to him, Governor Darius Ishaku Senatorial ambition is the main reason pitching the PDP against his opponents in the coming election in the Senatorial district.
