By: Ali Musa Biu-Maiduguri
Tension is mounting in Maiduguri, the Borno State Capital following the take over of the vicinity of the State branch office of the New Nigeria People’s Party, NNPP, by the Police.
This development is coming ahead of the the planned visit by the NNPP Presidential standard bearer, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso to the state.
Our correspondent reports that, the Police might have been acting against a reported clash between followers of the NNPP and those of the ruling APC in the state, earlier in the day, following disagreement between supporters of the NNPP and the APC.
Leader of the NNPP in Borno State, and her Senatorial candidate for the Central Senatorial District, Honorable Mohammed Attom, had hinted on plans by its Presidential standard bearer, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso to visit and commission the office next week.
According to him, the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC under the leadership of Governor Babagana Umara Zulum may have instigated the siege by the Police, an allegation the APC immediately refuted.
Mr Attom who claimed to be speaking from the Police Headquarters in Maiduguri, where he said he was arrested and taken to, maintained that the ruling APC was being intolerant and apprehensive against the growing popularity of the NNPP in Borno State, and ordered for the siege.
But State Chairman of the APC, Ali Bukar Dalori told newsmen that, the Central Borno Senatorial District candidate of the NNPP was being economical with the truth, as his party had nothing to do with the incident.
He said all political parties operate in Borno without hindrance, and he was surprised, Attom, who knows the fact, is making the allegation, which he described as spurious.
Attom who was still at the State Command headquarters of the Police for questioning about the reported clash that drew the attention of the Police, insists, the state Governor, Professor Zulum was not happy with his defection to the NNPP, and has been doing everything possible to frustrate the party.
As at time of report, combat ready Police men were still blocking all entrances to NNPP office, as tension continues to mount.
