Alexander Sammon
Updated on: October 16, 2024 8:28 pm GMT
An explosion rocked the All Progressives Congress (APC) secretariat in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, early Saturday, unleashing chaos just as local government elections were set to unfold across the state. This incident not only highlights increasing tensions within the region but also raises questions about security and the integrity of the electoral process.
Explosion Shatters APC Secretarial Building
In the early hours of Saturday, explosives believed to be dynamite detonated at the APC secretariat on Aba Road, leaving the building in ruins. The blast destroyed windows, doors, and caused significant damage to various properties within the facility. The gate of the secretariat was completely brought down, creating a scene of devastation that workers arrived to assess the damage.
This act of violence marks the second attack on the APC’s office this year, raising concerns about a growing trend of confrontational politics in the region. The party has yet to issue an official statement regarding the incident. Grace Iringe-Koko, spokesperson for the state police command, stated that she had not received details about the explosion but promised to investigate further.
Local Government Elections Amidst Tension
Despite the unrest, the Rivers State local government elections proceeded, with the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) having distributed sensitive materials to various local government areas. Reports indicate that the elections began early on Saturday, but many polling areas experienced a noticeable lack of police presence.
The situation was complicated by a court ruling that restrained security agencies, including the police, from providing any support during the elections. A Federal High Court order had blocked the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from releasing the current voter register to RSIEC and prevented police from securing the election process. This legal controversy highlights ongoing friction between factions within the state, namely supporters of Governor Siminalyi Fubara and former Governor Nyesom Wike.
Protests Complicate Electoral Atmosphere
Adding to the tumult, Wike’s supporters held a protest in Port Harcourt against the elections, asserting their belief that the voting process was invalid. Over 200 youths participated, voicing their discontent and claiming to respect the Federal High Court’s order which barred police involvement. One protester, Henry Bobmanuel, expressed frustration over the electoral situation, stating that the judgment was being obeyed as part of their civic duty.
Voter Turnout and Security Concerns
Despite the escalating violence and protests, many areas in Rivers State reported a solid turnout at polling stations. Observers noted that the elections commenced with some locations operating smoothly, though the heavy absence of police officers raised serious questions about voter safety and election integrity.
Some key points regarding the elections include:
- Turnout: Reports suggest a surprising level of participation by residents despite fears of violence.
- Security Issues: The absence of law enforcement was felt across multiple polling areas, worrying many residents.
- Election Proceedings: RSIEC claimed to have the voter register from INEC as of the previous year, despite conflicting legal statements.
The overall atmosphere in Rivers State remains fraught with anxiety as groups clash and challenges to authority surface. As the day unfolded, the ability of RSIEC to conduct fair elections under such circumstances was put to the test, with many residents left feeling uncertain about the outcomes.
Conclusion
The explosion at the APC secretariat serves as a grim reminder of the tensions surrounding political processes in Rivers State. As elections proceed amid chaotic scenes and legal battles, residents are left to navigate the uncertainty that accompanies their exercise of civic duty. While the RSIEC attempts to manage the electoral proceedings, the underlying issues of violence and protests present a significant challenge to peace and stability in the region. The impact of these events will likely linger, shaping the political landscape of Rivers State for the foreseeable future
