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By Nasir Kura
The Presidency on Tuesday accused the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of being a self-appointed protector of ballot box snatchers ahead of the forthcoming general elections.
Speaking to State House correspondents, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Garba Shehu, expressed concern about those attacking President Muhammadu Buhari over his comment that anyone who dares to snatch ballot boxes during next elections would be doing this for the last time, and their worry over the fate of anyone caught snatching ballot boxes.
“This sounds like members of the opposition, specifically the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who have perfected plans to rig the elections and to snatch ballot boxes. They can tell that President Buhari is not prepared to tolerate their antics this time around, and they are afraid. They have shown their intent,” he said.
He said the president’s comment should be seen as a strong message against the long history of savagery associated with elections in the country.
He said president had the safety and security of Nigerians uppermost in mind when he made the comment, and he should be praised rather than criticised for issuing the stern warning to potential ballot box snatchers.
“Snatching ballot boxes often entails putting the lives of innocent Nigerians at risk. About 10 years ago, evidence was brought before an election tribunal from one of the states in North Central of the gruesome killing of 26 prospective voters by ballot box snatchers.
“Their modus operandi is well known. They storm election venues in commando style, overwhelm the law-enforcement agents and seize ballot boxes leaving a trail of death and injury.
“Anyone who dares to put the lives of innocent citizens at risk in their desperation to rig elections, must be prepared for the possibility of losing their own lives because our security agents will certainly not stand by, clap for them and watch them kill and maim,” he said.
He said no one had anything to fear from the president’s comments if their conscience and intentions are clear.
“Let’s just have free and fair elections and no one need worry about anything,” he said.
