I am still PDP member – Gov. Lamido

Gov. Sule Lamido of Jigawa on Tuesday said he
was still a card carrying member of the Peoples
Democratic Party (PDP). Lamido made the
declaration at a PDP governorship rally in
Kaugama, Kaugama Local Government Area,
Jigawa. The governor made the declaration against
insinuations that he would ditch the party for the
All Progressive Party (APC) following his meeting
with Rivers Governor, Rotimi Amechi.
Lamido stressed that he was a PDP member and
would intensify campaign for the re-election of
President Goodluck Jonathan and other candidates
of the party. He said he had cautioned Amechi on
the dangers associated with smear campaigns
among politicians, which was inimical to the
growth of democratic governance in the country.
“If Amechi, a Southerner and a Christian is
campaigning for Gen. Muhammadu Buhari of the
APC; I do not see any wrong for me, a northerner
and Muslim to campaign for President Jonathan.
“Leadership comes from God. And in his divine
wisdom made people of northern and southern
extraction to live in one land, our dear country,
Nigeria.
“We are one and we should not allow some
disgruntled elements using politics, religion and
ethnicity to cause disaffection among our people.
“Ignore what they are saying; it is frivolous and
cheap lies to deceive voters. “They said I do not
care for the north and called me a pastor, but it
does not bother me,” Lamido said.
He said the founding fathers had fought for the
nation’s independence irrespective of creed or
religious affiliations. and therefore, Nigerians
should unite for peace and progress of the country.
The governor advised the electorate to vote for
credible and patriotic leaders, who would render
selfless service and move the country forward.
“You should not be deceived by the smear
campaigns. Vote for credible people, those who
respect human rights, ensure accountability and
transparency in governance. “I advise you to vote
wisely,” he said, adding that the PDP led-
administration had brought positive development in
the country in the last 16 years. Also speaking, the
PDP gubernatorial candidate in the state, Alhaji
Aminu Ibrahim, pledged to consolidate on the feat
achieved by Lamido’s administration.