By Sam Kayode
The Borno Emirate Concerned Citizens Forum (BECCF) has condemned the recent political violence that led to the pelting of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) convoy of Presidential Candidate Atiku Abubakar.
The group Chaired by Hassan Zanna, the “Boguma of Borno” in a news conference in Maiduguri on Sunday said it has started talking to its people to abstain from involvement in such dangerous vices during this critical campaign period.
“We do not believe it is right for people to gather under the guise of any political party to foment trouble. As a result, we will call for a town hall meeting to address issues that were not thrashed before now.
“The group said that it was saddened by the fact that the elders in the land have not said a word about the attack on the opposition party which he said was not good enough. adding “that we on our own have been gathering people to speak to them on the dangers of violence at this time when we are trying to end the spate of insurgency in the state. We have come to a point in which we must directly speak to the party stalwarts regardless of the party they belong to drop their swords.” said Zannah
Speaking on those who were injured during the November 9th fracas between the All Progressive Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) thugs in maiduguri, Zannah said that they have in their own way commiserate with those who were attacked and wounded in the capital during the visit of Atiku stressing that they are independent minded professionals who want the peace of the people to be maintained at all times.
“The Borno Emirate Concerned Citizens Forum (BECCF) is an apolitical and non-religious socio-cultural group established for the promotion of social justice, peace, unity, and the perceptive promotion of the culture and tradition of the people of Borno. The objective of which is purely to unity in the State for us to reclaim its acronym of ‘Home of Peace’ and to promote peaceful coexistence among members of Borno Communities. It is deeply concerned about the recent happenings in the State. The renaissance of political thuggery and mischief-making is in its resurgence and the need to urgently curb the situation before it escalates to another problem.
“The Forum believes that the incident of 9th November is attributed to some elements within the two major political parties in the State. These political parties are established by law and the need to draw their attention to respect and abide by the rule of law and the provisions of their constitutions during campaigns. This genuine respect for law and order by all is non-negotiable. Regrettably, the recent happening in the State is tantamount to a breach of peace and concerted efforts in bringing down the successes recorded so far in bringing a lasting peace to our State in the recent past. We observed with dismay that the political upheavals in Bama, Biu, M.M.C. and pockets of others in some designated locations.
“The Forum condemned in strongest terms all acts of violence and disruption that may likely breach the entrenchment of peace in the State. Therefore, we call on all political stakeholders to eschew all forms of political violence that may open ways to hoodlums from de-escalating the relatively hard-earned peace achieved in recent times.
“We equally call on all indigenes of Borno to shun activities that will lead to violence of any type at all costs. We particularly want to intimate parents to call on their wards to avoid places, friends, and associates that can lure them to obstruct peace in the state. It is also important to remind the general public to legitimately operate their mobile phone devices (Smartphones). Especially, the wrong use of social media sites in spreading unconfirmed/fake reports or news against people of all types should be discouraged.
“Recently, people used to enjoy recording their voices expressing unwanted views or commenting on what they do not know is becoming worrisome and condemnable. The need for caution and the creation of public awareness campaigns to inculcate appropriate handling of those digital devices is timely.
“Given the above scenarios, it is the Forum’s observation that it was in the tradition that every season had its unique ways of seeking divine intervention and so it is strongly recommended that the constituted authorities should embark on a call for special prayer sessions for the peaceful conduct of electioneering campaigns, the conduct of 2023 elections, and another transition to civil rule in Nigeria.
“Any form of blackmail orchestrated to dent, smear, or defame his person by some unpatriotic individuals would be fully resisted. Let the whole world know the Governor is a humane and open-minded person, we want to categorically express our unalloyed support for his humanitarian and developmental policies and programmes for the good people of Borno State.
