Tension Escalates in Rivers State After Explosion at APC Secretariat
Port Harcourt, Rivers State — Tensions are running high in Rivers State as residents awoke on Saturday to reports of a suspected explosion that targeted the state secretariat of the All Progressives Congress (APC), led by factional caretaker committee chairman Chief Tony Okocha.
In the early hours of Saturday, alleged arsonists detonated explosives at the APC headquarters in Port Harcourt. Video footage circulating on social media revealed significant damage to the main gate, security post, and parts of the building, believed to be caused by dynamite.
Chief Okocha accused supporters of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara of carrying out the attack, stating, “Pro-Fubara civilian soldiers detonated dynamites at our office. A second attempt to set it ablaze was foiled by security personnel at the gate.”
The APC had previously announced its withdrawal from the local government election scheduled for October 5, citing legal reasons. The intent behind the explosion remains unclear.
In response to the ongoing situation, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) confirmed that its members would serve as observers in the local government elections, asserting that there are no legal impediments to their participation.
In a communique issued by the chairpersons of all eight NBA branches in Rivers State, Port Harcourt Chairperson Cordelia U. Eke emphasized the importance of local government elections as part of Nigeria's democratic process. She noted that while several court judgments regarding the elections have circulated on social media, many are from courts of equal jurisdiction and have led to varying interpretations.
Eke reiterated that any law or judgment inconsistent with the Nigerian Constitution is null and void. She urged all registered voters in Rivers State to participate in the elections and called for peaceful conduct throughout the electoral process.
As the situation develops, both political and civic leaders are urging calm among residents in light of the violent incident.
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