Buhari takes APC Campaign to Kaduna, Niger, Plateau States; Condemns Tiv/Jukun clash

President Muhammadu Buhari has extended heartfelt appreciation to the people of Plateau State, who turned out in innumerable numbers to welcome him in Jos, during his presidential campaign visit on Saturday.

A statement by Femi Adesina, Special Adviser to the President (Media and Publicity), conveying the President’s appreciation, noted that “the Rwang Pam Township Stadium, venue of the event, was completely overrun by a sea of humanity, made up of ecstatic supporters of the President, who kept hailing the man they love and admire. So much was the tumult that the President could not eventually address the crowd.

“After waiting for about an hour, with the melee not receding, but rather increasing in tempo and fervour, President Buhari received illustrious Plateau citizens who were crossing to the All Progressives Congress (APC) from other political parties, waved at the appreciative crowd, and left for Abuja.

“The President lauds Plateau people for turning out in their thousands to welcome him into Jos, lining the roads right from the airport, defying the boiling sun.

“He thanks them for their steadfastness over the years, and for continued faith in the administration, which was indicated by the turnout at the stadium.

“President Buhari sues for greater restraint from teeming supporters and appreciative Nigerians in other campaign stops ahead, pleading that they allow the campaign programme run as planned, since it is also an opportunity for him to give a stewardship report.

“We have been serving you for about four years, we want another four years mandate from you, it is needful for you to allow us give you a report. You deserve it,” the President said.

A post on his facebook page by Mr. Adesina captured the experience of the team in Jos: “Never seen more rapturous, unfeigned, undiluted love than what I am beholding in Jos, Plateau State now, as President Muhammadu Buhari takes his campaign to the city. The crowd is massive, simply amazing, shouting:”Baba Oyoyo,” all the way.
“Getting out of our vehicles was almost impossible, due to the human press. When the President eventually passed through the eye of the needle, the frenzy was out of this world, once the crowd beheld him. We have been to many places, but we’ve never seen it in this fashion. Astonishing. If I was a candidate in next month’s election, on an opposite platform, I’d simply withdraw, with an apology. Sorry, it was impetuous of me to have entered the race. I overrated myself.”

Campaign visits resume on Monday, as President Buhari is resolved to get to all parts of the country, before the February 14 deadline.

Presidential election holds on February 16, 2019.

President Buhari has also strongly condemned the inter-communal violence between Tiv and Jukun communities in Guma Local Government Area (LGA) of Benue State, which left dozens injured and several houses destroyed.

President Buhari, in a statement by Garba Shehu, his Senior Special Assistant (Media & Publicity), expressed deepest sympathies and condolences to the people and the government of Benue State over the losses recorded following the incident and wished the injured speedy recovery.

The President reaffirmed that his government will not allow any group to incite hatred and violence against others, even as he commended the army, police and other security agencies for promptly bringing the violence to a quick end.

President Buhari charged security agencies to fish out the perpetrators, financiers and sponsors of these reprehensible acts of violence and charge them to court without delay.