Opposition planning to destabilize Nigeria, says FG


By Ato Akele


There is a plot to destabilise Nigeria using violent-prone armed groups including Boko Haram and bandits operating in the North West, the Federal Government said yesterday. The plan is to be coordinated using mercenaries, in part, from Niger Republic who will be invited into the country to foment troublesome activities including elimination of political leaders like State Governors.

The Minister of Information, Alhaji Lai Mohammed who spoke on behalf of the FG pointed at the opposition group. In Nigeria, the main opposition party is the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP) though Mohammed did not specifically mentioning the name. The report was made available to Irohinoodua.

He said the main agenda is to compel an interim governor in Nigeria and pull down the fledgling democracy. He called on Nigerians to be vigilant to prevent the violent plots aimed at halting the 2019 elections and create a stalemate.

“As you are aware, Nigeria goes to the polls just 27 days from now. However, the Federal Government is in possession of credible intelligence to the effect that widespread violence being orchestrated by the opposition is threatening the 2019 general elections”, Mohammed said.

According to him, there is an international dimension to the intrigue. “There is an international dimension to the evil plan. Some mercenaries from Niger Republic have been contracted to attack top government functionaries, including state governors, across the North-West between now and the elections.”

He said some armed groups from Niger Republic have been secured to attack some top government officials in the North West, President Buhari’s stronghold.

He listed the focal points of violent activities of the opposition as Adamawa, Bauchi, Benue, Kano, Nasarawa, Plateau, Kaduna and Zamfara States. He said in Kano, a group of miscreants have been mobilized to cause havoc and truncate democracy in the country.

The FG assured Nigerians that efforts would be put in place to stop the plan. “Federal Government is taking every possible measure to counter these evil plans by unpatriotic anarchists and ensure the success of the 2019 general elections. The administration’s commitment to a credible, free, fair and peaceful election is unshaken.”