Niger State Denies Ribadu Campaign Venue

Posted by admin Elections 2011, Niger, State News Saturday, March 26th, 2011

Niger State Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture has denied the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) Presidential candidate, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu the usage of the Trade Fair complex for his presidential campaign rally billed for tomorrow in Niger State.

The same treatment was meted on Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) presidential candidate, General Muhammed Buhari two weeks ago, when the request to use the complex to flag-off his north central presidential campaign was denied by the chamber at the last minute.

The chamber had said that the complex was no longer available for political party activities, except for government official functions and private investors activities. Meanwhile, the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had in the last three months used the same complex for three major rallies, including that of President Goodluck Jonathan, which took place last month.

LEADERSHIP WEEKEND ‘s investigation revealed that the ACN had in a letter to the president of the Chamber, Suleman Abdullahi requested for the usage of the complex about two weeks ago.

In the letter dated 8th March, 2011 and signed by the state chairman of the party, Capt. Abubakar Isah (rtd) which was made available to LEADERSHIP weekend, was received on behalf of the chamber by its accounts officer, Glory O. Samuel.

The letter requested for the use of the complex on Sunday 27th March and reads in part, “The Presidential candidate of Action congress of Nigeria (ACN) Alh. Nuhu Ribadu and his entourage will be on campaign tour of Niger State on Sunday 27th March, 2011,to this effect, we wish to request for the use of the Trade Fare (sic) Complex on Sunday 27th March, 2011 between the hours of 8:00am to 6:00pm.”

In its reply of the Chamber turned down the request of the party via a letter signed by its President, Alhaji Abdullahi Suleiman, stating that the usage of the complex has been restricted to only government official functions and private investors’ activities , the letter reads in part, “We regret to inform you of the decision to restrict the use of the complex to only government official functions and private investors’ activities in the state In view of the above, the complex is not available for political party activity. While wishing you success in your electioneering campaigns, please accept the assurances of our highest regard”
The director of Media and publicity of the ACN campaign organization in Niger State, Mr. Jonathan Vatsa said that the action of the chamber was an act of provocation and intimidation by the ruling PDP.

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