By Adam Muhammad, Gusau
HOTPEN – The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Zamfara state chapter has in a strong term condemned the recent arrest of former minister of information, Alhaji Ikra Aliyu Bilbis by the state government over PDP political rally in the state.
The state deputy chairman of the party, Hon. Muktar Lugga made the pronouncement in an interview with newsmen in Gusau Tuesday.
According to him, PDP in the state is a law abiding party, stressing that they will take all the necessary steps to ensure that the legitimate right of the minister is protected.
He described the arrest as undemocratic capable of ridiculing the popularity of the party by the state government under the leadership of governor Bello Mohammed Matawalle of APC ahead of 2023 general election.
Hotpen reports that, Hon. Ikra Bilbis is currently contesting for Senate representing Zamfara central in the 2023 general elections under the umbrella of PDP.
Hon. Lugga also accused governor Bello Mohammed Matawalle for conniving with security agencies in shortlisting members of PDP to be arrested.
“We have every evidence that Zamfara state government under the leadership of governor Bello Mohammed Matawalle had submitted names of PDP chieftains including me and our governorship candidate Dr. Dauda Lawal Dare to be arrested just for something known to the government “. He said
He equally lambasted governor Bello Matawalle for masterminding the arrest and imprisonment of former ambassador Capt. Mairiga rtd.
“This government of APC in Zamfara has deprived our political right to even place one single billboard across the state and even planning to close our state secretariat but we remain law abiding citizens without saying anything and yet they started threatening our life which we can not tolerate it anymore “. He said
Hotpen gathered that the arrest of PDP members was not unconnected with the political rally by the PDP governorship candidate Dr Dauda Lawal Dare on Sunday in which the state government through the deputy governor Hassan Muhammad Nasiha accused PDP for vandalizing APC properties by PDP thugs.
Lugga assured that they will soon take legal action against Zamfara state government and APC in the state over the threatening their members for justice to prevail.
He tasked members and supporters of PDP in the state to remain law abiding citizens, adding that PDP will take over power in Zamfara come 2023.