Opposition parties in Nigeria have described the claim by the Federal Government alleging security threat by opposition parties as a smoke screen to frame them up.
Describing the claim as baseless, the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) raised the alarm of plans by the Federal Government to arrest and detain key opposition figures on terrorism charges.
Spokesperson of CUPP, Ikenga Ugochinyere stated this on Monday in Abuja at a press conference.
The CUPP was reacting to an allegation by the Minister of Information, Lai Mohammed, that opposition political parties were busy mobilising bandits and members of Boko Haram to cause crisis in order to stop the forthcoming elections.
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However, Ugochinyere, debunked the claims, insisting that the government has no evidence to support its claim.
This, he stressed, is aimed at diverting attention from the issues raised by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who likened the present administration to that of the late military dictator, Sani Abacha.
“It is now clear that opposition’s consensus candidate Atiku Abubakar will win, so Lai Mohammed and Buhari are already suffering from defeat phobia. They are scared that is why they are spreading fake news.
“Buhari is a well known patron of Miyeti Allah and pro-bandit’s group while Lai is their spokesperson, they are the ones encouraging them.
“The rise in Boko Haram was caused by Buhari incompetence and misappropiation of security money.
“We urge Nigerians to give deaf ear to the noise of this fake news carrier called Lai Mohammed and heed to the advise of former President Obasanjo
“Just like he said, If Nigerians fail to take a definitive step by voting Mr Buhari out of power in next month’s general election, Boko Haram and its Islamic State’s West Africa Province (ISWAP) may soon take over the entire West African region and make life unsafe not only for Nigerians but Africans in General,” he said.
In the same token, the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) called on Nigerians to hold President Muhammadu Buhari responsible if there is escalation of violence in the country.
Speaking at another press conference in Abuja on Monday, Kola Ologbondiyan, PDP National Publicity Secretary, described the claim by the Information Minister as irresponsible and ludicrous.
According to him, the party has conducted rallies in many states of the country without a record of violence. “The APC cannot make a similar claim of a peaceful rally in its few attempts at interacting with its members and the public. It is just a measure for building the ground for framing up and arrest of leading members of the opposition as he has just confirmed our concerns. Its party primaries ended in violence and multiple deaths. Its rally in Lagos state ended in a fiasco and recorded fatalities. Its Presidential candidate is known all over the world for inciting supporters against peace-loving Nigerians, when he said that baboon and dogs will soak in their blood,” he added.
OWEDE AGBAJILEKE, Abuja
