Polls: Tinubu, Amaechi, Adams allege intimidation

As the elections near D-Day, political manueverings, and scheming have been heightened, in some cases to ridiculous levels, where politicians accuse each other and government of virtually everything possible, and impossible under the sun.

Over the last few days, member of the opposition APC, especially Bola Tinubu, Adams Oshimhole, and Rotimi Amaechi have alleged that they were being intimidated by government agents, and thugs in some cases, aimed at incapacitating them.

Based on allegations that the military was planning to pick him up on the eve of the presidential election, national leader of the APC, Bola Tinubu, on Thursday, secured an interim injunction of a Federal High Court in Lagos, shielding him from possible arrest and detention by the Nigerian Army.

Also in Edo State, the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mr. Louis Odion, also alleged that soldiers had been deployed to the country home of Governor Adams Oshiomhole, in Iyamoh, Auchi in Etsako West Local Government Area.

On his part, Rivers governor, Amaechi on Thursday claims to have escaped an assassination attempt in Rumuolumeni area of Obio/ Akpor Local Government Area of the state, as suspected political thugs fired live bullets at his convoy.

But, the Army has described the allegations as “unwanted and baseless” issues, simply aimed at damaging its reputation.

It said the publication was “meant to tarnish the good name of the division and distract the Army from performing its constitutional duties”.

A statement by the Deputy Director, Army Public Relations of the 81 Division, Col. Mustapha Anka, said the military, “is apolitical and will only uphold its mandate in protecting lives and property of the citizenry before during and after the elections”.

However, the police in Rivers state released a statement debunking Amaechi’s claim stating, that “after a successful and peaceful rally under the close watch of policemen led by the divisional police officer of the area, shots were indiscriminately fired from the convoy of the governor for reasons best known to them, as against the wispy claim of David Iyofor. No shots were fired at the convoy of the governor.

The false alarm, which is the usual penchant of the state government, may not be unconnected with the bogus claim of assassination attempt by his principal that is to just whip up public sympathy. The command urges politicians to refrain from whipping sentiments by toying with security issues to create needless public panic, where there is none, please.” the statement read

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