Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, has directed security agencies to investigate the disruption of the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign rally in Lafia on Wednesday and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
Sule gave the directive on Thursday during an expanded security meeting at the Government House, Lafia, following disturbances at the rally and the reported obstruction of Vice President Kashim Shettima’s convoy during his visit to the Emir of Lafia.
The governor described the incidents as a serious embarrassment, noting that Shettima attended the rally on behalf of President Bola Tinubu. He directed security agencies to invite and question everyone suspected of being involved, regardless of their status or former positions.
Sule insisted that the investigation should not be limited to the arrest of some youths but should also identify those who allegedly planned and sponsored the disruption. He also expressed concern over reports of an alleged plan to disrupt the rally, the attack on the Vice President’s convoy and the throwing of an object suspected to be a shoe towards the podium.
The governor further called for an investigation into the use of tear gas at the venue, particularly around the podium where he and other governors were standing. He commended the military, Department of State Services (DSS) and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) for their intervention.
Earlier, the Secretary to the State Government, Labaran Shuaibu Magaji (SAN), said the meeting was convened to examine security lapses surrounding the rally.
Magaji alleged that suspected opposition supporters wearing APC-branded shirts gained access to the venue, chanted opposition slogans and threw an object towards the podium. He also questioned the police response, claiming that tear gas was deployed instead of removing those responsible for the disturbance.
He further raised concerns over reports of a meeting allegedly held before the rally to plan its disruption, calling on security agencies to establish who organised the incident, attacked the Vice President’s convoy and threw the object towards the dignitaries.
The state government said it had requested security agencies to commence a thorough investigation into the incidents.
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