By Samuel Solomon
The Kano State governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Alhaji Ibrahim Ali Amin Little, has condemned the recent attack on journalists covering the All Progressives Congress (APC) rally at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano.
In a statement signed by his executive assistant, Adnan Mukhtar, Little described the incident as unfortunate and unacceptable, urging security agencies to demonstrate greater commitment to ending political thuggery in the state.
He expressed concern over the alleged involvement of politicians in recruiting and using thugs during political rallies, warning that such practices expose young people to criminal and immoral activities.
“Politicians are guilty of recruiting and using thugs during political rallies, and I believe this is absolutely wrong. Such actions contribute to the destruction of the future of our young people by exposing them to immoral and criminal activities,” he said.
Little also questioned the involvement of thugs in political activities, particularly at a time when the government is reportedly working to tackle thuggery, phone snatching and drug abuse.
“It is important that we tell ourselves the truth. A government that claims to be fighting thuggery, phone snatching and drug abuse should not be seen sponsoring or encouraging thugs to attend political rallies,” he said.
He stressed that political rallies should provide opportunities for political parties and candidates to present their programmes, engage citizens and seek their support rather than become avenues for violence.
“Political rallies should be platforms for presenting ideas, engaging citizens, and seeking their support, rather than breeding grounds for violence and criminality,” he added.
The ADC candidate extended his sympathy to the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), the affected journalists, and other victims of the incident.
Little assured the people of Kano that, if elected governor, his administration would operate a zero-tolerance policy towards political thuggery and other forms of violence.
He further pledged that his government would prioritise the protection of lives and property and create an environment where journalists and citizens could perform their legitimate activities without fear or intimidation.
