7th April, 2015
Ayorinde Oluokun/Abuja
Dr Dakuku Peterside, governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC in Rivers state has again condemned the relentless murder and attack on members and supporters of the APC in the state.
Peterside who said this is Port Harcourt, decried the never-ending circle of deaths and intimidation that now characterise the lives of APC faithful across Rivers state.
“Political rights and freedom of expression are inalienable rights. As citizens, we must work to ensure that these rights remain unchallenged. Sadly, we have all watched helplessly in the last couple of years as our freedom of thought and association have suffered one form of infringement or the other.
“We have also witnessed, like never before, persistent killings, torture, disappearances, harassment, intimidation and threats of APC members. There is no way development can come to a people who are intolerable of other views. That is why we must work towards enthroning a system that can tolerate criticism and opposition.
“It may interest you to know that in recent times, APC members have been attacked and killed in local government areas like Asari-Toru, Khana, Onelga, Ikwerre, Eleme, Port Harcourt City and the list continues.
“Our people are still in shock over the gruesome murder of Chief Christopher Adube, a chieftain of our party in Onelga. His wife, Madam Adube has already accused Felix Obua, chairman of the PDP of ordering the murder of her husband. I understand the gunmen also killed another five APC supporters and razed the house of another APC chieftain.
“The chairman of our party has already reacted to the killing of a monarch and nine others in Obrikom by PDP thugs. Even Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi’s convoy was attacked at Eliprianwo a few days before the presidential election.
“After the announcement of the presidential result, we also witnessed another round of killing and attack of our members in different parts of the state.
“This time around, votes must count. The charade that took place on 28 March in the name of election will not repeat itself. I think we are all in agreement about the need to deliver to the people of Rivers State a free, fair and credible election.
“I therefore wish to use this medium to call on the military high command and everybody concerned to work towards returning confidence to the ballot box. As we all strive towards a new Nigeria with strong institutions, especially security agencies, it is important to emphasize the need for security agencies to be fair to all. They must show courage and patriotism because the whole world is watching and they cannot afford to disappoint the nation.”