The All Progressives Congress in Kwara Central has condemned the unprovoked violent attack on a chieftain of the party, Alhaja Tawakalitu Agaka, following her successful empowerment programme in her homestead over the weekend.
In a statement on Sunday, the party called on PDP elements to rather convince the people of the state on why Kwara should go back to era of collapsed school infrastructure, dehumanisation of women and elderly, unpaid salaries, zero promotion, pervasive fear, and stunted physical and economic growth.
“The PDP should be civil in its approach to issues. Citizens are at liberty to pursue their political aspirations in an atmosphere that is devoid of violence, harassment, or intimidation.
“The violent, harassment, and intimidation of Alhaja Tawa Agaka is condemnable. That she and many other APC chieftains come from Agaka where the PDP governorship Alhaji Kawu Agaka comes from should not expose them to danger of any kind,” the party said.
“We call on the police and local traditional authorities to caution everyone who is involved in such uncivilized behaviour. Beyond being a grassroot politician, Alhaja Agaka is a mother, grandmother, wife, and a proud community leader.
“We will not watch whilst she or anyone is molested by the PDP. The party must immediately call its members to order. This is neither 2003, 2007 nor 2011 when dissents were muzzled without appropriate consequences. Anyone who goes over board will be reined in appropriately by the security agencies.
“If the ruling party is allowing free speech and political freedom, no opposition party will be allowed to sabotage Kwara’s quest for increased freedom, peace, and development.
“We call on the security forces, especially the police, to identify those who attacked the house of and harassed Alhaja Tawakalitu Agaka. That is the only way to check political excesses and sustain peace and democracy.
“Leaving this uncouth behaviour unattended to could lead to reprisals in Agaka or elsewhere against PDP members. Our party and government do not subscribe to violence of any kind.”
