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From Tony John, Port Harcourt and Okwe Obi, Abuja
There was pandemonium yesterday, as an explosion rocked the secretariat of the Action People’s Party (APP) in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The secretariat located along the GRA axis was reportedly attacked with IED explosives. It shattered windows, doors and destroyed other properties in the building.
This came amid speculations that Governor Siminalayi Fubara plans to move with his supporters to the APP, following alleged hijacking of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state by his predecessor and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.
The attack has been attributed to the ongoing political crisis between supporters of the minister and the governor.
A party official was quoted to have said: “Yes, I’m a member of the APP. I was informed of the attack at about 3am today. This is politically-motivated and there are no two ways about it. They know that the APP is a fast-growing political party in the state. We call on the police to investigate this and arrest the culprits.”
The State Police Public Relations Officer, Grace Iringe-Koko, said no lives were lost but noted that the Command’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit had been deployed to sweep the scene.
“We are aware of the explosion at the APP secretariat and our bomb unit has been dispatched to ascertain what happened. No life was lost and investigation is underway. We will share the findings with the public soon.”
The police image maker said the Rivers State Police Commissioner, Olatunji Disu, and his management team also visited the scene to assess the damage.
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Meanwhile, the Inter Party Advisory Council of Nigeria (IPAC), has condemned the attack.
The National Publicity Secretary, Chinyere Kalu, in a statement, said the heinous act had not only caused panic and terrorised the peaceful residents but also threatened the fragile political stability in the country.
“As the umbrella body of all political parties in Nigeria, IPAC is deeply troubled by the escalating trend of political violence and terrorism. We urge President Bola Tinubu to take swift and decisive action to address this menace, which poses a significant threat to our democratic values and national security.
“The bombing of the APP’s secretariat is a brazen attack on democracy, the rule of law, and the very fabric of our society. It is a stark reminder that political extremism and terrorism can undermine our two and a half decades of unbroken democracy, emboldening those who seek to destroy our nation.
“This bombing cannot be unconnected with desperate politicians seeking the control of all the political structures in the state, and are not ready for an alternative view and vibrant opposition.
“These reactionary elements should allow democracy to strive in the state and not see politics as a do or die venture.
“IPAC warns that any form of terrorism in the federation can be exploited by criminal elements to further their ill-conceived agenda.”
She implored President Tinubu to direct the security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation into the bombing, identify and prosecute the perpetrators, and take proactive measures to prevent future attacks.
Kalu called on all political parties, stakeholders, and Nigerians to “Condemn this act of violence, promote peace, unity, and democratic values and support the government’s efforts to combat political extremism and terrorism.”
