2015: Gov Aliyu Alleges Blackmail Plot

Ayorinde Oluokun/Abuja

Governor Babangida Aliyu of Nigeria’s central state of Niger has alleged that some highly placed politicians based in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory are planning to blackmail him over his recent comment on the eligibility of President Goodluck Jonathan in the 2015 presidential election.

The Governor said the politicians who he refused to name are planning to do this by printing and pasting posters across Abuja, with the message: “Vote Babangida Aliyu for President,” as a means of pitting him against the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which has placed an embargo on campaigning for the presidency.

The Governor made this allegation in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Danladi Ndayebo.

He added that some media houses have also been commissioned to write negative reports about his administration as part of the design to discredit him and the Niger State government.

The Governor, who described himself as a law abiding member of PDP, however said he is aware of the directive from his party that campaigns for 2015 elections should be put on hold and that the circulation of the posters is to portray him as a rebellious party member.

“For the avoidance of doubt, Governor Aliyu has not declared for the presidency. If anything, he is at the moment focused on delivering on the mandate given to him by the people of Niger State and would not be distracted,” the statement said.

The Governor said his commitment for now is to re-engineer Niger State to achieve its vision of becoming one of the top three most developed state economies in the country by the year 2020.

While noting that God is the ultimate decider of who becomes what, the Governor said Nigerians should be wary of those who want to discredit others for selfish gains.