By: Chioma Madonna Ndukwu
In the early hours of Saturday, an explosion rocked the Rivers State secretariat of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Port Harcourt, just hours before local government elections. The blast, believed to have been caused by explosives, damaged the main gate, the security post, and a nearby building.
Chief Tony Okocha, the caretaker chairman of the APC in Rivers, claimed, “This is clearly an attempt to escalate tensions ahead of the polls,” pointing fingers at supporters of Governor Siminalayi Fubara. Authorities have heightened security measures in response to the incident, deploying additional police officers to ensure a peaceful voting process.
Despite the explosion, accreditation and voting commenced at several polling centers in Port Harcourt City, where voters expressed determination to participate in the democratic process. The incident adds to the ongoing controversies surrounding the local elections, raising concerns about safety and electoral integrity.
(Source: Dockaysworld, October 5, 2024
