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… As APC Faction Denies Allegation
Joel Anekwe, Port Harcourt
Rivers State Government has accused the Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi-led faction of the All Progressives (APC) of plans to capitalise on the ongoing #EndSARS protests in Rivers State to cause the destruction of lives and property in the state.
In a statement signed by the commissioner for Information and Communications, Paulinus Nsirim, and made available to our correspondent in Port Harcourt the government claimed it has received intelligence report to that effect.
“The recruited protesters who would be carrying placards with inscriptions: ‘#EndSARS,’ and ‘End Unemployment’ have been fully mobilized to cause the planned mayhem. It is worthy of note that #EndSARS protest in the state has not only been peaceful but has also received overwhelming support from the government and people of the state”, the statement said.
It expressed surprise that the former state governor, Amaechi, who it claimed “did everything to frustrate the implementation of the report of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry that indicted SARS operatives in the state, is now turning around to “support #EndSARS protest”.
The statement went on: “We wish to call on President Muhammadu Buhari to call Rotimi Amaechi, who is not happy that Rivers State has remained peaceful since the nation-wide protests began, to order. Security agencies are also enjoined to be aware of the plot by Amaechi and his cohorts to hijack the #EndSARS protest”.
It urged local government chairmen to remain alert and ensure that youths in their areas are not used to carry out any form of destruction.
“Rivers youths, who are the genuine and patriotic protesters, must understand the evil antics of these enemies of the state and reject their ulterior motives. Our detractors do not want us to enjoy the peace that the government and security agencies have worked very hard to achieve. We must resist their devilish plots by remaining law abiding.
“We remain irrevocably committed to our stand against the atrocities of the now disbanded SARS. All well-meaning citizens of the state are hereby advised to vehemently oppose any attempt by any individual or group to make our dear state to suffer violence,” the government stated.
But the Amaechi-led APC has denied any such plans saying that the party has kept a distance from events that are playing out on the streets.
Ogbonna Nwuke, acting publicity secretary of the APC faction said the reason for the non-interference stance of the party “is that we have respect for the exemplary conduct that Nigerians are exhibiting at this time”.
“Accordingly, we are shocked by the unbridled allegation, suggesting APC involvement in the ongoing protests, peddled by the propaganda machine of the Rivers State Government.
“At no time has the APC planned in any way to manipulate the protests on the street. We are rather proud of the courage and understanding displayed by the Buhari administration in its handling of protests across the country at a time of global economic recession, which is equally taking a toll on our dear country.
“This proves beyond reasonable doubt that the Federal Government ably led by President Muhammadu Buhari is indeed committed to deepening democracy in Nigeria. More especially, the government has displayed flexibility, maturity, understanding and love for the Nigerian people since the protests began.
“We believe the people have an inalienable right to embark on protests. The Nigerian Constitution allows that right; the right to free expression in particular; and the right to association,” he said.
