BEVERLY HILLS, August 19, (THEWILL) – The Presidency has debunked allegation against the Chief of Staff to the President, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari and a former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr. Adams Oshiomhole of plans to arrest members the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ahead of Edo governorship election.
The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, in a statement in Abuja on Tuesday, described the video clip as the handiwork of misguided elements and mischief makers.
Reacting to the mischievous video, Mallam Garba said “It is important to strongly dispel misguided messaging amongst commentators, rights activists, advocates and journalists who have been reacting to a trending short video clip, alleging that the Chief of Staff, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari and Adams Oshiomhole, the former All Progressives Congress (APC) chairman had hatched a plan to arrest opposition individuals ahead of the September election in Edo.
”Firstly, it is important to state that the video was an ingenious patchwork of mischief, extracted from an innocent conversation focused on the emerging incidents of violence in the run up to the election. It is equally a fact that various political parties campaigning in Edo have levelled accusations of violence against one another.
”In such a heightened state of uncertainty, responsible leadership must ensure that elections are conducted in a peaceful manner and if warranted, judicious use of law enforcement to protect lives and properties of citizens is mobilised thus preventing criminal elements from subverting the democratic process.
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“This message has consistently been repeated by Mr President.He does not support violence of any sort and its propagators will be brought to justice. Elections must reflect the will of the people,” he said.
According to the presidential aide, both Gambari and Oshiomhole have a history and track record of working to protect the rights of Nigerians and humanity of all walks of life, especially the poor and marginalised and will never be found encouraging any conduct that runs counter to these values.
