…. My men discharge their duties professionally – Police commissioner
From Godson Nwosu, Port Harcourt.
Some party faithful including journalists have been injured after gunshots rent air at the Rivers State secretariat of the All Progressives Congress. News echo gathered that trouble started after some members who were aggrieved at the manner the leadership of the party was handling the party primaries attempted to forcefully open the gate. Attempts by the aggrieved and protesting members were met with resistance from the police men attached to gate of party secretariat who shot to scare them.
The situation got worse after some suspected party urchins hijacked the process, leading to exchange of gunshots and free use of dangerous weapons. The situation made journalists and other stakeholders to scamper for safety, which led to injuries. One of the journalist told News echo that he clothes were completely torn while some of his items were stolen. We gathered that the protesting party members who are believed to be loyal to one of the governorship aspirants, senator Magnus Abe are alleging that the process of the party primaries have been hijacked by some people.
Meanwhile, the APC in Rivers State says they are yet to understand the group that protested and the purpose of the protest at the state party secretariat.
The State Publicity Secretary of APC, Chris Finebone said the party congress is holding at the various wards and local government Areas of the state and not at the secretariat. Finebone said materials for the congresses have also been sent to the various wards and local government Areas were the exercise will be conducted. He however promised that the party executive will address those that gathered at the party secretariat when they identify with their leaders.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Friday Eboka has dismissed insinuation that somebody died during the protest at the APC secretariat in Port Harcourt. CP Eboka who dismissed the rumour after visiting the APC secretariat told News echo that the authors of the report are mischief-makers. He said his men discharge their duties professionally. He further warned that anyone fomenting crisis ahead of the 2023 general elections including their sponsors will be arrested and prosecuted. He also assured members of the public that the command will intensify its efforts in protecting lives and properties in the State.
