11th January, 2019
As politicians prepare for the forthcoming general elections, the Sokoto State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), has expressed concern over the alarming rate of political thuggery in the state.
Its Chairman, Mr Isa Shuni, expressed the concern when he received the management of Golden Star Initiative and YIAGA Africa, a Non-Governmental Organization, who paid an advocacy visit to the council.
According to Shuni, political thugs, generally referred to as “area boys”, are wrecking havoc on innocent residents of the state “in spite of assurance by the security agencies that the state will witness peaceful campaigns”.
The NUJ chairman particularly regretted the killings, looting and destruction of properties in some parts of the state, and described the trend as “uncalled for”.
He stressed the need for a renewed commitment for peace among candidates and their parties parties, through signing a peace accord.
“Such peace accord should be mediated by the state police commissioner, Director of DSS, Civil Societies, NGOs, NUJ, among other stakeholders,” he said.
He called on security agencies to live up to their expectation by arresting anyone found breaching peace in the state.