Attack on Jonathan despicable, says Mark

Senate President, Senator David Mark, has condemned the consistent attacks on President Goodluck Jonathan and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) campaign train, describing the actions of the perpetrators as despicable .
Jonathan and the PDP campaign train was reportedly attacked in Katsina, Kano and Bauchi states by thugs believed to be supporters of opposition political party.
Mark said the attacks on the PDP is an affront on democracy and a betrayal of the peace pact entered into by the political parties and their candidates.
Mark, who spoke at the flag-off of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) PDP Presidential and National Assembly campaign in Bwari area council near Abuja on Friday said the conduct of the supporters of opposition party is condemnable by any right-thinking member of the society.
He said: “We condemn this unwarranted violent attacks on the PDP and its candidates. They have campaigned in other parts of the country without molestation. We should be allowed to campaign freely. The opposition must stop this desperation and allow Nigerians to decide.
“This election must not be a do or die affair. The campaign is an avenue to tell the electorate what you have done and what you intend to do for them. It should not be turned to a battle field.
“Any democracy that stops Nigerians from moving round freely is not the type of democracy we want. Nigerians must be free to go to the south and to the North without hinderance. Those who want to encourage hatred amongst Nigerians must think twice. We must allow for freedom of movement.
“We must allow people to campaign any where they want. Those of us who are at the helm of affairs must take full responsibility for any misconduct or misdemeanor of our supporters or followers.
“Nobody should intimidate any PDP candidates any where in Nigeria. Campaigns should be based on issues and not attack on personalities . The PDP will never be intimidated in any part of this country. This country belongs to all of us. We are all free citizens “.
For Mark, Jonathan is still the best choice for the nation, reiterating that PDP will deliver on its transformation programmes, including the revival of the railway system of transportation, Education, Health and other social services.
The FCT Senator, Philip Aduda, Niger State Governor Babangida Aliyu and FCT Minister, Bala Mohammed, urged Nigerians to remain steadfast with the PDP.