The Presidency has described as fake news, video clip trending in the social media of plan by President Muhammadu Buhari’s Chief of Staff, Professor Ibrahim Gambari and immediate past national chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Adams Oshiomhole, to arrest opposition individuals ahead of the September election in Edo State.
Senior special assistant to the President on media and publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, in a statement today, August 18, said that it is very important to strongly dispel misguided message amongst commentators, rights activists, advocates and journalists who have been reacting to the trending short video clip.
Garba Shehu said 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.”
He noted that ahead of the election various political parties campaigning in Edo have levelled accusations of violence against one another, saying that 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 mobilized, thus preventing criminal elements from subverting the democratic process.
“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.”
The statement said that the persons in the video, Professor Gambari and Comrade 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 marginalized.
The presidential spokesman stressed that such leaders will not be found encouraging any conduct that runs counter to the set political and electoral values.
