…Claims of Coalition Sponsored by APC to distract citizens – PDP youth Leader
From Leo Zuanke, Lafia
The Coalition of PDP Youths in Nasarawa State has expressed deep concerns over the increasing religious and tribal tensions in the region following a recent tribunal ruling. In a press conference held on Friday at the NUJ Secretariat in Lafia, the coalition highlighted the need for unity and the avoidance of divisive sentiments.
“Since the aftermath of the tribunal ruling, Nasarawa State has witnessed a surge in religious and tribal sentiments that threaten its long-standing peaceful coexistence.”
The coalition through its chairman Comr. Daniel Gbo while reading out the press statement specifically cautioned against reckless and threatening remarks such as “they are non-indigenes” and “they have a religious agenda,” emphasizing that these statements have already sowed discord among the state’s people.
Notably, some of these divisive remarks are coming from political and religious leaders. The coalition cited an example where a supposed religious leader, Primate Elijah Ayodele, openly called for the seizure of power from Governor Abdullahi Sule at all costs, which they considered a clear incitement against the state.
The Coalition of PDP Youths called on party members to adhere to the principles of decent democracy, emphasizing the importance of unity and peaceful coexistence in the state.
They recalled that Governor Abdullahi Sule also had expressed concerns about threats to his position based on religious sentiments and cited the tribunal’s judgment as an example. The coalition underlined the importance of avoiding divisive narratives and stressed that unity is essential to achieving common goals for the state.
Furthermore, the coalition criticized the tribunal ruling, alleging that merit was compromised for religious sentiments. They questioned how two Christian judges ruled in favor of the PDP candidate, while one Muslim judge ruled in favor of the APC candidate, expressing their disappointment and condemnation of such an outcome.
In their role as a Coalition of PDP Youths, the group called on religious, political, and tribal leaders to exercise caution in their statements. They also urged the judges at the Appeal Court to conduct a proper review of the tribunal judgment, free from religious or any other sentiment.
Additionally, the coalition called on security agencies, traditional rulers, and other stakeholders to take measures to curb the escalating tensions, emphasizing that the peace and unity of Nasarawa State are at risk.
In conclusion, the coalition emphasized that Nasarawa State is a family, and unity and peace are of paramount importance. They urged the people to avoid coloring their arguments with unnecessary tribal, clannish, or religious sentiments, stressing that the key to progress lies in cherishing one another and considering all with equal dignity.
Meanwhile the Nasarawa State chapter of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) through its youth leader has the recent press conference by the Coalition of PDP Youths was orchestrated by the All Progressives Congress (APC) to divert attention of the people .
In a statement on Friday released by the Nasasrawa state PDP youth Leader, Alhaji Muhammed Sani saying the PDP firmly stood by the tribunal’s verdict.
The statement from the PDP’s youth Leader emphasized that the PDP would not condemn itself, as the facts and merits of the case, as ruled by the tribunal, are overwhelming. The PDP maintained its confidence in the integrity of the tribunal’s decision.
Sani went on to suggest that the current administration in Nasarawa State has been involved in sponsoring groups that are not part of the PDP. It underlined that the PDP is a well-organized party, and if such a conference were to occur, they would be informed.
“It is the shameful religious statement of the state governor, Abdullahi Sule at the recent Summit held in Abuja that is dividing the people along religious line and not from the PDP. And that is why they are sponsoring this boys to further disseminate their claims.”
The Leader urged the people of Nasarawa State to reject the claims made by the Coalition of PDP Youths, as they categorically denied any involvement in the press conferences, further reaffirming the PDP’s commitment to respecting the tribunal’s ruling and standing behind the merits of the case.
