Rep accuses Northern govs of supporting terrorism

Northern governors support terrorism in their domains, House of Representatives member Albert Sam-Tsokwa said yesterday.

He said their inability to tackle clashes between herdsmen and farmers in many parts of the region suggested their support terrorism.

The lawmaker who is the chairman of the House committee on Rules and Business stated this while addressing newsmen at the National Assembly, Abuja yesterday.

“Most of the problems we have are created by our leaders and that was why in one occasion, I said I am of the opinion that most northern governors support terrorism. Because I see the attacks on farmers as a terrorist act, not a conflict,” he said.

Sam-Tsokwa who represents Donga/ SSA/Takum federal constituency of Taraba state also said elections in areas where safety of life could not be guaranteed would be difficult to conduct.

He said the attacks on farmers amounted to an act of terrorism, similar to Boko Haram insurgency leaving the country hanging a ticking time bomb if left unchecked.

He said: “You stay in your house, somebody come to your land and begin to cause problems and destroy your crops. You complain and he brings out a gun, sacks you from that place and they call it conflict. What conflict is that? It is an act of terrorism.”

Reacting to INEC’s concern in going ahead with election in states facing insurgency by members of Boko Haram, Sam-Tsokwa said: “this is a question of fact. You cannot talk of food in (a) house when there is no peace.

“If INEC said it would conduct elections in those states, I am telling you if I were to be in any of the states, I will not vote. What is the point if in the process, I am going to die?”