The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Nasarawa State has expressed concerns regarding the recent protest held by Nasarawa indigenes living in Lagos State. The protest aimed to highlight alleged fraudulent activities involving the sale of state government properties.
However, the PDP has claimed that the protest was a deliberate attempt to tarnish the reputation of Umaru Tanko Al-Makura, the former governor of Nasarawa State. Francis Orogu, the state chairman of the PDP, voiced these concerns during a press conference held in Lafia on Wednesday.
In addressing the ongoing tension caused by the protest, Orogu stated that the current situation was merely an attempt to blackmail Al-Makura due to his alleged failure to provide adequate political support. He further asserted, “They are not getting the kind of political support they need on the issue of the tribunal so they feel that the next thing is to hit him below the belt.”
Orogu described the protest as a political ploy orchestrated by the Abdullahi Sule-led government to put pressure on Al-Makura, who may not be aligning with the current administration’s interests with regards to their ongoing legal issues.
While acknowledging that properties belonging to Nasarawa State were indeed sold during the previous administration, Orogu emphasized that these transactions were not done secretly. He explained, “It was public that properties of Nasarawa State were mopped and forwarded to the 8th Assembly. They sat, deliberated, and hurriedly passed it, and these properties were sold in their way.”
Orogu highlighted his own involvement in opposing Al-Makura’s actions when he chaired the Public Accounts Committee in the Nasarawa State House of Assembly. He clarified that his actions were driven by the responsibility entrusted to him and not motivated by malice or sentiment. He noted that his role as an opposition leader compelled him to continue these efforts.
Furthermore, Orogu alleged that the current administration, led by Governor Sule, was attempting to bring Al-Makura to justice as a means of asserting control and influence over him. He questioned the governor’s intentions and challenged him to disclose the buyer of a property in Apapa, Lagos, which was allegedly sold at a significantly lower price than its market value.
Orogu reiterated that he possessed the necessary records and was currently pursuing the case in the Appeal Court. He made it clear that he would not succumb to blackmail or misuse the provided information, stating, “Some of them came from behind and wanted me to give them these records. I told them that my documents are not meant for blackmail, the intention is truth.”
Orogu concluded by asserting his commitment to uphold his beliefs, principles, and rights, emphasizing that he was not influenced by any external forces. He underscored the importance of exercising integrity and transparency in the pursuit of truth in Nasarawa State.
