Tension in Rivers State as Explosion Rocks APC Secretariat Ahead of Local Government Elections
October 5, 2024
Tension has escalated in Rivers State following an explosion at the state secretariat of the All Progressives Congress (APC) just hours before the scheduled local government elections. The incident, which reportedly involved the use of explosives, has heightened concerns as political tensions rise in the state.
Explosion at APC Secretariat
According to reports, the explosion occurred early on Saturday morning, October 5, 2024, at the APC secretariat in Port Harcourt. The blast, suspected to have been caused by dynamite, caused significant damage to the main gate, security post, and parts of a nearby building. The APC, the principal opposition party in Rivers State, has been a focal point of political activity as the state prepares for local government elections.
Eyewitness accounts and video footage circulating online confirmed the extent of the damage to the APC secretariat. While there were no immediate reports of casualties, the attack has left the political landscape in Rivers State on edge, with fears of further unrest in the lead-up to the elections.
Allegations Against Governor Fubara’s Supporters
In response to the attack, Chief Tony Okocha, chairman of the APC’s caretaker committee in Rivers State, issued a statement attributing the incident to supporters of the state’s governor, Siminalayi Fubara. According to Okocha, "pro-Fubara civilian soldiers" were responsible for detonating the explosives at the APC office in an apparent attempt to intimidate the opposition.
Okocha also noted that a second attempt to set the secretariat ablaze was quickly thwarted by security personnel stationed at the gate. He praised the swift actions of the security team for preventing further damage and potentially more severe consequences.
Political Climate Ahead of Elections
The explosion comes at a critical time for Rivers State, as the local government elections are scheduled to take place later today. However, both the APC and the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have announced their decision to abstain from participating in the elections.
The APC had previously declared its intention to boycott the local government polls, citing concerns over the transparency and fairness of the electoral process. In a surprising move, the PDP, under the leadership of Hon. Chukwuemeka Aaron, also declared that it would not participate in the elections. This dual boycott has left the political landscape uncertain, with other smaller parties and independent candidates expected to take part in the contest.
Heightened Security Concerns
The explosion at the APC secretariat has raised concerns about the security situation in Rivers State ahead of the elections. Local authorities and security agencies are likely to increase their presence in sensitive areas to prevent further incidents of violence or sabotage. The attack has also drawn attention to the broader issue of political violence in the state, which has been a recurring challenge during election periods.
Conclusion
As Rivers State prepares for local government elections, the explosion at the APC secretariat has underscored the volatile nature of the political climate. With both major parties opting out of the elections, attention now shifts to how the security situation will be managed and whether the polls can proceed peacefully. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of safeguarding democratic processes and ensuring that elections are conducted in a free and fair manner, free from intimidation or violence
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