South-West PDP Chairmen accuse Buhari govt of launching brazen assault on democracy

The Forum of PDP Chairmen in the South-West geo-political zone of
Nigeria has accused the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration
of carrying out a brazen assault on the nation's democracy, adding
that the style of leadership of the President poses serious threat to
freedom.

This was contained in a communiqué issued by the chairmen at the end
of an emergency meeting in Ibadan, the Oyo state capital.

They opined that the desperation of the administration has perverted
the ideals of democratic government, and that its dealings have
resulted into activities that are capable of truncating democracy.

The forum cited instances such as the heavy monetization and
unwarranted militarization of the recently-held Ekiti state
governorship election; the incessant harassment of the Senate
President, Dr Bukola Saraki and his deputy, Ike Ekweremadu, as well as
the siege on the Benue state Governor, Samuel Ortom and the attempt to
impeach him by eight APC lawmakers.

The PDP chairmen said, "We note with total dismay that the trend of
victimization of the opposition which began with the persecution of
key figures in the Jonathan administration in the guise of fighting
corruption has continued unabated.

"The rule of law has been replaced with brute force and coercion, the
whole country has been bedeviled with various threats to security of
lives and property. In fact, Nigeria has never been this unsafe and
divided.

"The incidents of ethnic cleansing currently going on in Taraba State
as well as the wanton killings in Zamfara call for urgent attention of
the Federal Government rather than the perennial dissipation of energy
and resources on attempting to impeach State Governors and muffle
freedom of speech.

"The PDP State Chairmen in the South West condemn these undemocratic
acts and call on National and International Civil rights organisations
to rise up in defense of democracy and civil liberty in Nigeria.

"The forum also restates its solidarity with the Governorship
candidate of the PDP in Ekiti State, Professor Olusola Eleka and the
incumbent Governor, Peter Ayo Fayose in their determination to reclaim
the PDP mandate at the Ekiti State Governorship election petition
tribunal.

"The PDP South West Chairmen welcome all defectors from other
political parties across the country and appreciate the efforts of the
National Chairman of the Party, Price Uche Secondus in effectively
managing the affairs of Africas largest political party," the
communiqué read.