Police Halt Tinubu’s Rally

By Gideon Njoku

The Niger State Police Command has stopped a Presidential Campaign Rally organised for the Candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Bola Tinubu.

Giving its reason as a likely breach of the peace, the State Police Command, cancelled the Rally. Its personnel took over the venue of the Rally.

“The Police had to take over the venue of the planned rally, as a proactive measure due to intelligence received of likely breach of security at the venue,” said Niger Police spokesman, DSP Wasiu Abiodun

The Rally, tagged “a grand lockdown rally” meant to sell Tinubu to the people, was billed for Tuesday, January 30, 2023.

It was also meant to garner support for the Governorship candidate of the APC in the State, Hon. Umar Bago and running mate, Comrade Yakubu Garba.

It was organised by Senator Aliyu the Deputy Chief Whip of the Senate, Sabi Abdullahi, who is the  National Coordinator of Project 774 for Tinubu/Shettima 2023, Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi.

Reports said the gates of the New Bussa Township Stadium in Borgu Local Government Area of  already rehabilitated and decorated  for the event were locked and barricaded by police operatives.

Reports noted two pickup trucks manned by heavily armed Mobile Policemen stationed at the gate of the stadium. Regular policemen locked the gates and stopped supporters from gaining entrance.

Journalists were, also, turned back.It was gathered that the order to block the New Bussa Stadium,  commissioned on Monday by Senator Abdullahi came from unnamed higher authorities.

Three pickup vans mounted with guns and filled with heavily armed men of the Nigerian Army were seen patrolling around the stadium.

Said Police Spokesperson, DSP Abiodun,  “The Police had to take over the venue of the planned rally, as a proactive measure due to intelligence received of likely breach of security at the venue.

“Hence, we have to do the needful to avert any possible attack or hijack by suspected miscreants to cause mayhem and breach of peace in the community.

“The Command will not fold its arms and allow act of political violence, avoidable loss of life, destruction of properties and lawlessness.

It was gathered that the order to stop the rally was allegedly given by Governor Sani Abubakar. Senator  Abdullahi, who organised the rally, represents the Niger North Senatorial seat at the Senate.