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In a dramatic turn of events, the All Progressives Congress (APC) secretariat along Aba Road in Port Harcourt was rocked by an explosion early Saturday morning, just hours before the local government elections were set to take place. The blast, suspected to be caused by dynamite, resulted in significant damage to the building, including the destruction of doors, windows, and the main gate.
Details of the Incident
The explosion occurred around 1 AM, with reports indicating that suspected arsonists targeted the APC’s secretariat. This marks the second attack on the party’s facility this year, raising serious concerns about political violence in Rivers State. Chief Tony Okocha, chairman of the APC’s caretaker committee, attributed the attack to supporters of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, stating that pro-Fubara “civilian soldiers” were behind the incident.
A viral video from the scene shows party officials assessing the damage while expressing their disbelief at the audacity of such an attack during a critical electoral period. Okocha condemned the act and called for immediate investigations by law enforcement agencies.
Political Context
This explosion comes amid heightened tensions surrounding the local government elections scheduled for today. The Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) had assured that all sensitive materials for the elections were distributed to various local government areas despite ongoing disputes between political parties regarding the electoral process.
Police Response
When contacted, Grace Iringe-Koko, spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, stated she had yet to receive a report on the incident but promised to provide updates as soon as possible. As tensions escalate in Port Harcourt, many are calling for increased security measures to prevent further violence.
Conclusion
As Rivers State prepares for its local government elections, this explosion serves as a stark reminder of the volatile political climate. With accusations flying and safety concerns mounting, all eyes will be on how authorities respond and ensure a peaceful electoral process. Stay tuned for more updates as this situation continues to develop.
