In the early hours of Saturday, October 5, 2024, tension surged across Rivers State as an explosion rocked the All Progressives Congress (APC) secretariat in Port Harcourt, the state capital. The attack targeted the secretariat led by the factional caretaker committee chairman, Chief Tony Okocha, just hours before the highly anticipated local government elections. According to reports, suspected arsonists detonated explosives, believed to be dynamites, at the entrance of the building, damaging the main gate, security post, and parts of the structure.
A video clip circulating on social media confirmed the extent of the damage, raising concerns about the safety of political activities in the state. Chief Tony Okocha, in a statement, blamed supporters of the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, for the attack. He claimed that “pro-Fubara civilian soldiers” were behind the bombing attempt, which was allegedly aimed at disrupting the activities of his faction. Security operatives at the secretariat reportedly foiled a second attempt to set the building ablaze.
Accusations and Political Tension Ahead of the Election
Chief Tony Okocha’s accusations against Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s supporters have added to the already tense political atmosphere in Rivers State. Okocha’s faction of the APC had earlier announced its withdrawal from participating in the local government elections, citing ongoing legal disputes. It remains unclear whether the explosion was directly linked to their decision or whether the perpetrators were sending a broader political message through the act of arson.
The Rivers State APC has been embroiled in factional disputes for several months, with different groups vying for control of the party’s structures ahead of the 2024 elections. The attack on the secretariat is the latest in a series of violent incidents that have plagued political processes in the state. The timing of the explosion, just hours before the elections, has sparked concerns about voter safety and the potential for further unrest.
NBA’s Participation in Local Government Elections Amid Legal Disputes
Despite the volatile political environment, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has affirmed its commitment to observing the October 5 local government elections in Rivers State. In a statement issued on Friday, the chairperson of the Port Harcourt Branch, Cordelia U. Eke, emphasized that the NBA would fully participate in the electoral process as observers. Eke explained that there were no legal barriers preventing the elections from proceeding, despite the various court judgments and legal interpretations circulating on social media.
The NBA’s stance comes amid widespread confusion over the legitimacy of the local government elections due to conflicting court rulings. Eke stressed that the Constitution of Nigeria is the ultimate authority, and any law or judgment inconsistent with its provisions is null and void. She further called on security agencies to fulfill their constitutional duty to maintain law and order during the election period, highlighting the need for peaceful and democratic processes in Rivers State.
Calls for Peace and Participation from Rivers State Residents
In light of the rising tensions, the NBA leadership in Rivers State has urged residents to remain calm and exercise their democratic rights. Eke encouraged all registered voters to go out on Election Day and participate peacefully in the electoral process. She reiterated that the elections are a critical part of Nigeria’s democratic system and must be respected by all parties, regardless of political affiliations or legal disputes.
The call for peace was echoed by other NBA branch chairpersons, who signed a communique urging Rivers State indigenes and residents to maintain decorum during the election. The communique emphasized that violence and disruptions would only serve to undermine the integrity of the democratic process. As the state heads into Election Day, the focus remains on ensuring a peaceful, free, and fair election, despite the recent explosion and ongoing political tensions.
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