KADUNA — Tension flared in parts of Kaduna State on Tuesday as angry youths reportedly hurled stones at a serving member of the House of Representatives following his defection to the All Progressives Congress and his public backing of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s controversial tax reforms.
Eyewitnesses said the lawmaker was confronted during a constituency visit when protesters, chanting anti-defection slogans, accused him of betraying voters’ trust. The situation quickly escalated as youths pelted his convoy with stones, forcing security aides to whisk him away to safety. No fatalities were reported, though the incident left vehicles damaged and nerves frayed.
The protesters claimed the defection and endorsement amounted to “selling out” the constituency, alleging that the new tax measures would worsen hardship. Supporters of the lawmaker, however, dismissed the accusations as politically motivated, insisting the reforms are aimed at broadening revenue and stabilising the economy.
Security operatives later restored calm, while calls mounted for restraint and dialogue. Political analysts warn that rising tempers around party defections and fiscal policies could inflame tensions ahead of future engagements, urging leaders to engage constituents transparently and avoid incendiary rhetoric.
Authorities said investigations were ongoing, stressing that while dissent is lawful, violence will not be tolerated.
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