Irate youths attack Jonathan at Bauchi Presidential rally

Pandemonium erupted on Thursday at the Ibrahim Babangida Square, Venue of the Peoples Democratic Party presidential campaign rally in Bauchi as angry youths reportedly pelted politicians at the event with dangerous objects like hammer, stones, slippers among other things.

It was gathered that the irate youths, who refused to reveal their grievances, destroyed some of the canopies and plastic chairs at the venue.

The ‘supporters’, who had, before the arrival of President Goodluck Jonathan and his entourage, chanted solidarity songs for the President and the PDP and marched round the venue with their drums and placards with the President’s picture, became unruly during the programme and began pelting dignitaries on the stand.

Although security operatives intervened to stop the thugs from disrupting the event, several vehicles coming out of the venue, belonging to the PDP presidential campaign team, were stoned while tyres were burnt.

The violent youth also clashed with security personnel deployed around Ran road and the Bauchi central market where a police patrol van was set ablaze by irate youths.

The FCT Minister, Senator Bala Mohammed, was pelted with bottled and sachet water while he was making his speech and pleading with the people of the state to vote for and support Jonathan and the PDP during next month’s general elections.

Mohammed called on the President and other dignitaries to ignore the ugly turn of events, alleging that it was the handwork of the opposition.

The Police Public Relations Officers [PPRO], Bauchi State, Haruna Muhammed, confirmed the violence but promised to provide journalists with details later on.

Earlier in his address at the rally, Mr. Jonathan lambasted the opposition All Progressives Congress, APC, accusing the party of instigating Nigerians against the ruling Peoples Democratic Party [PDP]-led government.

Mr. Jonathan challenged the APC to enumerate its achievements, and not seek cheap popularity.

He said that PDP stands for peace and that no retrogressive force can put the party behind.

Mr. Jonathan said his government has reduced the prevalence of polio virus in Bauchi state, and assured that before the end of the year, the virus will be completely eradicated in the whole nation.

He cautioned the youth against acts of violence during and after the election, saying if re-elected, he will invest in youth empowerment through micro small scale enterprise, agriculture and education.

Culled from ...DailyPost and ...PremiumTimes.