There was a near air mishap in Sokoto yesterday when stalwarts of the
state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) caused a stir at
the Sultan Muhammadu III International Airport, preventing two chartered
aircraft conveying top politicians from landing.
Those on board include Governor Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, Speaker,
House of Representatives, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal and all members of the
National Assembly from Sokoto State. This happened as Hon. Tambuwal said
Wamakko’s suspension from the PDP is illegal.
The state chapter had organised a rally to show solidarity to the
governor over his recent suspension by the PDP National Working
Committee (NWC) over alleged insubordination.
Trouble started when the first aircraft had attempted to land at
about 4:15pm, but was unable to do so when the supporters in their
thousands unconsciously occupied the runway.
The supporters who were drawn from the 23 Local Government Areas had
defied security arrangement at the airport to welcome the governor, who
had just returned from overseas.
It took the plane about 20 minutes, hovering in the air before the pilot was forced to change his mind for safety reasons.
Frantic efforts made by the pilot to relocate the runway was
prevented by the surging crowd on the tarmac. n airport official who
spoke on the condition of anonymity told Daily Sun that the
communication unit had briefed the pilot to divert to Kaduna Airport for
emergency landing.
He, however, described the development as ‘embarrassing’, noting that
“politicians should learn how to observe safety at any given time.
Someone can imagine the pilot forcing the aircraft for landing without
getting its bearing, that could have resulted to a tragedy or perhaps
air mishap.” He said.
One of the party supporters, who simply identified his name as Musa,
said he came from Yabo Local Government Area and was given N1,500 by a
party leader to join the train to the state capital to welcome the
governor.
Meanwhile, Hon Tambawal said yesterday that there is nobody in the
party that can intimidate Governor Wamakko because people of the state
are solidly behind him.
“Wamakko is the leader of our party in the state and nobody can touch
him. Any finger that touches him, touches the whole people of Sokoto
State”, he said.
Tambuwal noted that he has cross-checked the party’s Constitution and
did not find any reason that would warrant Wamakko’s suspension from
the party. According to him, the suspension is unconstitutional. The
action should be condemned.”
He said, “they should leave Gov. Wamakko alone to exhibit the
principles of liberty and freedom of choice. He urged the people not to
relent in showing their support and loyalty to the governor.
He quoted a British Member of Parliament as saying, “all politics is
local,” wondering why should people not allow politicians to be
responsible to their local people.
He also said that political leaders from Sokoto including the
Sardauna, the late Ahmadu Bello and former President Shehu Shagari have
all offered themselves for selfless service and good leadership which
Gov. Wamakko is toeing their path of legacy, so they should allow him
offer selfless service to the people.
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