Ex Jigawa Gov Turaki Stoned By Irate Youths

Several vehicles were stoned in Hadejia city, in Jigawa State by  irate youths who were said to be angry over President Goodluck Jonathan’s posters pasted on the vehicles in the convoy of immediate past governor of the state, Senator Saminu Turaki.

Reports from the state indicated that the ex-governor was attacked on his way out of Hadejia, where he attended the turbaning of Alhaji Abdulfatai Tahir as the new Talba of Hadeijia.

An eyewitness, Suraja Musa, of Makwalla quarters, said the youth started chanting “bamayi” when they sighted posters of the President Jonathan on the vehicles in Turaki’s convoy.

Speaking to newsmen, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) sole administrator in Sokoto State, Honourable Abba Anas, who was with Saminu Turaki when the incident occurred alleged that the youth were sponsored by Jigawa State government to embarrass Turaki.

According to him, “we went to Hadejia to felicitate with our friend, who was turbaned as the new Talban Hadejia. On our way out, some youths attacked our convoy and smashed some vehicles. We were aware of the ochestrated campaign to frustrate our movement in Jigawa. We knew a Special Assistant to Governor Lamido organised these boys to attack us, but I want to say how disappointed we were about the whole thing, considering the government’s stance on thuggery in politics and drug abuse.

“It is shocking that the same government will send youths after the convoy of an ex-governor in the state.”

The Special Adviser to Governor Lamido on Media, Adamu Muhammad Usman, denied the allegation, saying the government was not aware of the attack.

“It is unfortunate that they are linking the government with the attack on Turaki’s’convoy in Hadejia.When his convoy was attacked in Gumel two weeks ago, was it government that sponsored it? When his convoy was attacked in Baturiyya a week ago, was it government that sponsored that too?

“The truth is that Turaki did not achieve anything in Jigawa in eight years. The people cannot stomach his failure, coupled with his latest attempt to come back to politics in the state. His purported attempt at politicising the turbaning ceremony in Hadeijia was what might have angered the youth.

The truth is that Lamido’s’performance had endeared him to the people of Jigawa and he remains their leader.”