The Sokoto State Government has sealed the campaign office of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) due to growing political tension in the state. According to the Commissioner for Lands and Housing, Barrister Nasiru Dantsoho, the decision was made following a recent disturbance involving supporters of the opposition party and suspected miscreants. The government aims to prevent further violence and protect lives and property. This move has raised concerns about the party's political activities in the state.
Preliminary findings revealed that the property originally belonged to the defunct Savannah Bank. However, the government could not establish any official transfer of ownership in the available records. Dantsoho stated that the government has contacted the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), the custodian of the property, to clarify its present ownership. The NDIC has yet to respond to the government's inquiry. The commissioner emphasized that the ownership question must be resolved to avoid further complications.
The decision to seal the premises was taken while awaiting an official response from the NDIC. Allowing activities to continue at the property without resolving the ownership question could create further complications, particularly given the recent security concerns. The government is acting to prevent another disturbance and ensure the situation does not escalate into a wider security problem. Dantsoho urged individuals or organizations claiming ownership to approach the state government with relevant documents.
The commissioner addressed the issue of ownership, stating that documents would be examined and verified by the appropriate authorities. Once the ownership question is resolved, the property can be released to whoever is legally entitled to it. However, the premises will remain under the control of the state government until the matter is settled. Dantsoho warned against any attempt to gain access to the sealed building through force, saying anyone who violates the government's directive will face legal consequences.
The sealing of the ADC campaign office comes amid heightened political tension in Sokoto State, particularly following allegations of confrontations involving supporters of the opposition party and operatives of a state-owned security outfit. This action by the Sokoto Government could have implications for the party's political activities in the state, especially if the premises remain inaccessible while the ownership dispute is being investigated.
Dantsoho maintained that the state government is prepared to release the building once the necessary verification has been completed. Until then, the premises will remain sealed. The commissioner emphasized that the government's primary concern is to prevent further violence and ensure that the situation does not escalate. He assured that the government will take a decision based on the verified documents and the law.
The Sokoto State Government's action has raised concerns about the potential impact on the ADC's political activities in the state. The party may face challenges in conducting its campaigns and other activities if the premises remain inaccessible. The government's decision to seal the campaign office has also sparked debate about the role of government in regulating political activities and the importance of resolving ownership disputes.
Key points
- The Sokoto State Government sealed the ADC campaign office due to an ownership dispute and security concerns.
- The government aims to prevent further violence and protect lives and property.
- The ownership question must be resolved before the property can be released to its rightful owner.
