Hon. Lado debunks instigating Niger APC, PDP clash

Days after he was alleged to have led thugs to disrupt the campaign rally of the Peoples Democratic Party in Suleja, Niger State, the member representing Suleja Tafa and Gurara Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives, Hon. Abubakar Suleja Lado, has debunked the allegation.
Lado, a member of the All Progressives Congress, said his party also had a Police permit to hold a rally the same day.
It should be recalled that the Niger State Police ‎Command had vowed to investigate and press charges against Lado, if found wanting in the clash between the APC and PDP that led to unrest in parts of the state.
While denying the allegation that he ignited the violence, ‎he said it was clear that the supporters of the PDP were the ones out to attack the APC.
According to him: “I have the‎ permit of the P‎olice in Suleja ‎to stage a rally in view of this weekend’s local government election in Niger State and there was no way as a lawmaker I would have taken the law into my hands by attacking any group.
“In fact, during that rally, we had 15 ‎policemen with us.
“If we are out to cause mischief or attack any political party, we would not have done that with the police with us.
“As a lawmaker who fought so hard for the change in all spheres that we now have, I will not do anything to contravene democratic ethics and code.
“Maybe the accusation of the PDP is borne out of their past records of violence and stage managed politics where people like us who had opposing voices were vilified and witch hunted.”
Lado insisted that when he and his supporters filed out on the fateful day, they were unaware that the PDP had a rally and considering the popularity of the APC in his constituency, it is expected that the support base of APC should be more than that of PDP.
He further disclosed that it is not part of his political character to foment crisis and the information should be disregarded.