BREAKING: Tension in Rivers as explosion hits APC Secretariat hours to LG election

Tension remains high in Rivers State as residents woke up on Saturday to the news of a suspected explosion at the secretariat of the All Progressives Congress (APC), led by factional caretaker committee chairman, Chief Tony Okocha.

In the early hours of the day, suspected arsonists reportedly detonated explosives at the APC state secretariat in Port Harcourt, the state capital. A video circulating on social media showed that the explosion, believed to have been caused by dynamite, damaged the main gate, the security post, and parts of the building.

Chief Tony Okocha, in a brief statement, accused supporters of Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, of orchestrating the attack. He claimed, “At the wee hours of Saturday, pro-Fubara civilian soldiers detonated dynamites at our office. The second attempt to set it ablaze was foiled as the security at the gate quickly put out the fire.”

This incident comes after Okocha’s APC faction announced its withdrawal from the local government election scheduled for that day, citing legal reasons. The motives behind the attack remain unclear.

Meanwhile, the leadership of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in Rivers State has confirmed its participation in observing the October 5, 2024, Local Government election. In a communiqué signed by all eight chairmen of the NBA branches in the state, the association affirmed there is no legal barrier to holding the election.

Speaking on behalf of the NBA branches, Cordelia U. Eke, Chairperson of the Port Harcourt Branch, emphasized that the Constitution of Nigeria provides for local government elections as part of the democratic process. Eke noted that while several conflicting court judgments have been issued on the matter, none nullify the constitutional mandate for such elections.

She reiterated the NBA’s commitment to upholding the law, stating, “Any law or judgment that is inconsistent with the provisions of the Constitution is null and void to the extent of its inconsistency.”

Eke urged Rivers State residents to remain peaceful and law-abiding throughout the election process, encouraging registered voters to exercise their rights at the polls.

Other NBA chapter chairmen present also signed the communiqué, underscoring their support for a lawful and orderly election.