The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Sokoto State has alleged that the state government detained three traditional rulers on the eve of the presidential and National Assembly elections.
The allegations is contained in a statement by the state chairman of the party, Isa Sadiq Acida made available to newsmen on Tuesday.
According to the statement, the District Heads of Arkilla and Wajake in Wamakko Local Government, and Tsamiya in Tureta Local Government area, were detained.
Read the statement below:
The Sokoto State Chapter of the Àll Progressives Congress APC, has observed with grave concern, the political recklessness of the PDP administration in Sokoto State. The administration has taken its total disregard for our traditional rulers beyond reasonable limit.
On the eve of the Presidential and National Assembly Elections, three District Heads were invited to the Sokoto State Government House by their Local Government Chairmen, ostensibly to attend a meeting with Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal.
Reports reaching us indicate that on their arrival, the three District Heads of Arkilla and Wajake in Wamakko Local Government, as well as that of Tsamiya in Tureta Local Government area, were detained in one of the offices in the Sokoto Government House for as long as the Presidential and National Assembly elections lasted.
This singular act, will go down in the history of Sokoto State, as an act of Political brigandage of the highest proportion. This represents an irreparable damage to our image as a society that holds the custodians of its history, culture and Religion with great respect.
We have reliably learnt that the District Heads were detained in the Government House on suspicion that on the election day, they would render Political support and assistance to the APC.
As a party that defends democracy and freedom of expression, we would like to condemn in the strongest term, this wanton display of power drunkenness and crude abandonment of administrative and legal processes.
While we do not intend to hold brief for the Traditional Rulers, we share in their grief and call on the Sokoto State Government to investigate this matter urgently.
People are still asking, when did the Sokoto Government House become a Detention Center? Steps must be taken to avoid its reoccurrence.
Hon. Isa Sadiq Acida (Turakin Acida), State Chairman
Tuesday: 28/2/2023
