Minna — Hundreds of youths yesterday held rallies simultaneously in Bauchi and Minna, Niger state, protesting against the Appeal Court verdict on the 2003 presidential election, which upheld the re-election of President Olusegun Obasanjo for a second term.
Alhaji Sani Agogo, the secretary of the Bauchi Youth Mobilisation group told a news conference yes-terday, in Bauchi that they remained committed to Buhari in his struggle for justice.
"For the avoidance of doubt, we would like to re-state our unflinching support and commitment to the ideals of honesty, integrity and patriotism and commitment to duty of our hero, Alhaji Muh-ammadu Buhari," Agogo said.
He said it was sad that the court gave an unfavourable verdict in its judgment, adding "we are convinced that the ANPP had done its best and followed what is universally regarded as the right channel."
Agogo said, however, that the proceedings at the court had exposed "monumental fraud" and rigging perpetuated during the 2003 election, even with verdict given by the judges.
"The struggle has just begun and the ANPP shall never rest until justice is done," he said, and called on members of the group and their supporters all over to remain calm and avoid any act of violence in the interest of the nation.
He called on all Nigerians to team up with the ANPP to ensure that justice prevailed at all levels. "We appeal to all people of conscience and goodwill to come forward and fight this very dangerous trend of electoral fraud. All democratic means must be empl-oyed to ensure that we save ourselves and generations yet unborn from this insane practice," Agogo said.
In Minna, the youths numbering over 200 took over the streets yesterday chanting slogans, saying that 'justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done.
Displaying Buhari's posters, the youths described the judgment as a shame, urging that the ANPP presidential candidate should fight at the Supreme Court for justice to be done.
The police in Minna did not give the youths breathing space as they escorted them throughout the peaceful rally that lasted for hours.
The security agents followed the protesters as they marched along Bosso road, Lagos, Benin and Katsina streets before returning to Limawa where they held the rally peacefully and dispersed.
