The Nation
Intolerance, impunity and intimidation by governments at various levels have been part of our political culture since the First Republic. Whoever exercises his or her fundamental right to identify with a political party other than that in government is marked for bullying in various ways.
This came to the fore again in Niger State recently as civil servants who were deemed to be in support of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in local government areas where many members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) defected to the opposition party were reportedly served suspension letters. In addition, their salaries were seized.
This is against the tenets of democracy, and barbaric. Governor Sani Bello who is said to have given the order as leader of the APC in the state should rescind the instruction with immediate effect. Neither the governor nor the government over which he presides has such power under the constitution. First, the government claims that it is investigating the allegation. If this were so, why was it not being discreetly probed and action taken after guilt has been established, that is even if it were illegal.
Second, the officials who have resorted to such barbaric means were highly educated both at home and abroad. They know the standard practice elsewhere, and yet failed to adhere to it.
Third, Niger State is one of the states most buffetted by the menace of terrorism. Governor Bello, whose father was a miilitary governor, had cried out many times to the Federal Government for support, giving the impression he was helpless and frustrated. This should have been the preoccupation of the Niger State government. That being so, the primary responsibility of government being guarantee of security and welfare of the people, Governor Bello and agencies of the government ought to be busy mobilising the people sgainst terrorists and bandits that he would have no time identifying what party anyone supports.
