This Nonsense Must Stop: Presidency Reacts To Attack On Jonathan

The presidency has reacted to the attacks on the convoy of President Goodluck Jonathan and leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in Katsina and Bauchi states, by supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC). It cautioned the opposition party to rein in its supporters.

In a statement titled “This nonsense must stop”, Special Adviser to the President on Political Affairs, Prof Rufai Ahmed Alkali, said that the action of APC supporters is a negation of the non-violence peace pact signed recently in Abuja by all the presidential candidates.

“When the peace pact by the Major Political Parties participating in the 2015 General Elections was signed, Nigerians heaved a great sigh of relief in the belief that the tensions stocked up in the buildup to the campaigns will subside.

“President Goodluck Jonathan who is also the leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) blazed the trail in appending his signature to the historic document. General Muhammadu Buhari and leaders of other parties also signed, pledging a violence free electioneering process and rejection of uncouth and inciting language,” Alkali said.

He added: “Unfortunately, while President Jonathan and the PDP have remained bound by the letters and spirit of the peace pact, supporters of the APC candidate has had a field day, violating all the terms of the pact and engaging in violence even on the person and entourage of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“The successive incidents in Katsina and Bauchi States where irate youth supporters of the APC unleashed a reign of terror on the convoy of the President is an ominous wind that blows no one any good,” the statement said.