Thursday, March 28, 2024

2019: My life under threat, says Lagos PDP chief

Ahead of the 2019 general elections in Lagos State, a Peoples Democratic Party chieftain, Mr. Jacob Bamidele, has alleged fresh plots to eliminate him, considering the roles he played in the success of the PDP in Mushin area, especially during the April and May 2015 elections.
Bamidele, in a statement, said an attempt was made on his life during the July 22 2017 local council poll but for providence, a backlash of wish his family members are currently suffering, as he has gone into hiding.
The politician who described self as a chartered administrator as well, recalled that he joined the PDP in 2006 “with the dream of ensuring better life for the people, especially the oppressed average common citizen.
“In 2008, I became a youth leader, acted as ward chairman and presently the ward secretary. My Mushin area as at that time had always been ruled by the lineage of political parties that have become known today as All Progressives Congress but I mobilized others and we changed the tune
“The ideology being promoted by my party attracted and enjoyed the embrace of the populace towards the 2015 general election. So as it became apparent that our candidates for the governorship and legislative positions in Lagos State had gained popularity and ready to take over the mantle of leadership, the ruling party resulted to unhealthy and violent campaign strategies marred with intimidation and death threats to our Exco officials and campaign strategists of which I belonged.
“On March 18th 2015, at about 6:00pm in the evening, our ward meeting venue at 85 Moshalashi Street, Mushin Lagos was attacked by sponsored hoodlums armed with guns, daggers knifes, an axe and other violent weapons. They started shooting sporadically and indiscriminately while chanting ‘No vacancy Government House.’ I was stabbed on the chest, left hand and left foot. Several Exco members were seriously injured. After my narrow escape, the matter was reported to the police authorities. Several other attacks came up before the general election in April and May 2015.
“I went into hiding with my family to avoid being killed. In spite of the intimidation and threats, my party was able to secure eight seats out of the 40 seats in the Lagos House of Assembly in the April 2015 election.
This feat achieved by our struggle further compounded the scenario as more intimidation and death threats to our Exco members increased.”
Bamidele said he was again attacked this year in the build up to the local government election, alleging that the ruling party was behind all the attacks.
“During this period, precisely on February 14, 2017, my business office/store was invaded by political hoodlums. They destroyed and looted goods worth N7 million. Two of my staff members were injured. I reported the case to the police and they promised to arrest and persecute the perpetrators. This they never did.
“It was at this period that I decided to stay away for a month in the United States of America and hoped to return before the election. I arrived New York on April 10, 2017 with my wife and last kid and on May 2nd, my home in Mushin, Lagos was attacked by suspected assassins. The assassins demanded for me. My three children with my mother were tortured. My first son who attempted to rescue his younger brothers was stabbed on the chest. He was rescued to the hospital and the situation was reported at the police station,” Bamidele recounted.
He said he was notified of the incident and advised to stay back in the USA in order to keep alive, and that he was also advised to compromise his stand by joining the ruling party as a way forward but that he found such a decision at variance with his conviction.

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