Robert Awokuse
The former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Comrade Timi Frank, has said that the federal government has ordered the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, to raise five billion naira for the repentant militants in the Niger Delta to support the re-election bid of President Muhammadu Buhari.
Frank also accused the President and the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Tukur Buratai of deliberately using the Army in the Niger Delta region to harass and intimidate the voting population of the Niger Delta.
The APC former deputy publicity secretary, who stated this in a statement, alleged that there is a deliberate plot to “disenfranchise electorate in the south-south and cause dissatisfaction in the build up to the presidential elections.”
Frank noted that the region has been largely peaceful, adding it does not call for show of force.
“The display of fighter jets and helicopters over selected Ijaw communities, a fortnight ago and the presence of military personnel suggest that the administration is purposely trying to impose fear, even when there are no visible threats or confrontation.
“Suffice to say that the North-west region of Katsina and Zamfara which has witnessed more banditry over the last months should be the focus of heavy military presence and not the Niger Delta.
“It is sad that the desperation of Gender Buhari has taken a new dimension as he is bent on using any means possible of finding his way back into the villa without any consideration for the Nigerian people.
” This brazen show of desperation is the worst ever witnessed in Nigeria by a sitting President, and we begin to wonder if this is the same man who never really gave a damn about other regions as confessed by himself in his famous 97/5% unpresidential and nepotistic speech made in the full glare of the world.”
The Bayelsa-born activist reminded the president that the Ijaw nation would not forget in a hurry his open disdain and vindictive mien toward them, as evident from his sectionalism styled governance.
He added that the lack of the president’s non adherence to the rule of law could attest to his claims.
“I have it in good authority that the APC backed by the FG, through the NNPC has been mandated to raise and disburse 5billion Naira to be shared amongst the Former Niger Delta Militants all in a bid to get their endorsement and use them as frontlines to disenfranchise the people during the Presidential polls with the Army acting as backup in case of any eventualities.
“The APC makes no pretense about it’s resort to violence in the event of imminent defeat should they lose the elections. From body bags, to praying for rain to bring more foods for strength to fight and war songs at campaign rallies, there’s no doubt that the APC and Mr President be held directly responsible in the event of wanton destruction and loss of lives.
He further called on the international community not to relent in their bid to ensure smooth, free and fair elections.
He also enjoined the foreign missions to commit President Buhari and the All Progressives Congress, APC, to abide by the peace accord signed by the candidates.
