Thugs stone Jonathan’s convoy in Katsina

Peoples Democratic Party presidential campaign rally in Katsina ... on Tuesday.
| credits: State House

Political thugs on Tuesday attacked the convoy of President Goodluck Jonathan in Katsina State during the continuation of his re-election campaign.

The presidential candidate of the party, Maj. Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), is from the state.

Trouble started when Jonathan, accompanied by Vice President Namadi Sambo; the National Chairman of the PDP, Alhaji Adamu Mu’azu; and Governor Ibrahim Shema of Katsina State among others decided to pay a courtesy visit on the late President Umar Yar’Adua’s mother, Hajiya Dada.

As the President and members of his entourage made their ways into the Yar’Adua Quarters, the brooms-wielding youths who were chanting “Sai Buhari” surged forward.

Security agents had a hectic time dispersing the crowd.

The youths regrouped and again moved to attack the President’s convoy as he was ready to leave the Yar’Adua’s residence.

Security agents had to fire tear gas canisters to disperse the youths to allow vehicles in the convoy of the President to speed off.

As the presidential delegation made their way towards the Katsina Airport, the youths hurled stones at the convoy.

No case of injury was however reported.

While addressing a rally earlier at the National Youth Service Corps Orientation Camp in the state capital, Jonathan had attributed his Presidency to the late President who he said chose him as the Vice President in 2007.

For this reason, the President promised to always meet the needs of the people of the state before they ask.

“But for you, I would not have been here today. It was your own son that brought me as his deputy. Anything that you want from me, we will do it without you asking for it,” he said.

The President listed some of the achievements of his administration to include the establishment of a federal university and the establishment of Almajiri schools among others in the state.

On security situation in some parts of the country, Jonathan said, “We have challenges like many other countries in the world but we are still managing because of our focus. We will get through our challenges because we are working hard and you know it.”

Jonathan asked them to vote for him and Sambo to enable them to continue to work for the peace and progress of the state.

Earlier while on a courtesy visit to the Emir of Katsina, Alhaji Abdulmumuni Usman, Jonathan had recalled that his political odyssey at the centre started in Katsina when he became the vice president to the late Yar’Adua.

He reassured the Emir that he would continue to work with Katsina people to develop the country.

The traditional ruler advised politicians to consider the interest of the masses and ensure that peace prevailed in the country, noting that only God gives power to whoever he chooses.PUNCH