APC: Mass killings continue in Rivers as Wike eyes 2019

As mass killings continue in Rivers State, the National Secretariat of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has alerted security agents and Nigerians to the design of the state governor, Nyesom Wike ahead of the 2019 General Election.

The ruling party, in a statement by its National Secretary, Mai Mala Buni cautioned security agencies and Nigerians at large not to be hoodwinked by the latest ploy of the governor to deflect attention from the continued and increased spate of mass killings and violence being perpetuated under his watch as governor and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state.

Wike had stated in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital on Tuesday that the PDP is currently being “reorganised” to takeover the “seat of power” in 2019.

According to the APC, the spate of killings in Rivers State has now assumed genocidal dimensions with horrendous killing and maiming of residents and security personnel almost on a daily basis.

Buni recalled that on Monday, five mobile policemen including a Deputy Superintendent of Police, Mr. Nasiru Halidu were ambushed and killed at Okobe in Ahoada West Local Government Area of the state. On Tuesday, five persons were killed and scores injured in attacks in different parts of the state. The state high court premises in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital also came under attack.

“Clearly, Rivers State has been transformed into a killing field under the watch of the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike and the PDP in the state. The APC calls on the Police and other security agencies to as a matter of urgency, rise up to stop the breakdown of law and order which has resulted in mass killings and other forms of violence in Rivers State”, the party stressed.

APC said that instead of joining issues with Wike’s idle 2019 postulations, the APC-led administration would rather concentrate on ongoing efforts to deliver all-inclusive development in the country adding that the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari is already working assiduously to repair the rot caused by the PDP’s 16-year misrule and pillage of the country’s commonwealth.

“Since the APC-led administration took over the governance of the country, the fight against Boko Haram have been invigorated with regional and global support and cooperation against the terror group.

“The recently assented 2016 National Budget caters for many of the promises made to the Nigerian electorate by the party in the course of the 2015 presidential campaign. This includes the safety net created to cater for the poorest and most vulnerable Nigerians amongst other pro-people developmental policies.

“Also, President Muhammadu Buhari’s shuttle diplomacy has been able to restore Nigeria’s integrity among comity of progressive-minded nations. The shuttle diplomacy has also had positive effects on the country’s economic policies and counter-insurgency efforts”, the party said.

APC pointed out that in spite of desperate attempts by the PDP and it’s agents to discredit President Buhari’s anti-corruption efforts, the war against corruption is being won and have been well-received and supported. The generality of Nigerians agree that the days of impunity are over. The political will and sincerity of purpose of the present administration to tackle corruption from the roots to the upper echelons no matter whose ox is gored remains unwavering, adding “happily, Nigerians can look back, with relief and attest that since the APC-led administration took over governance, Nigeria is back on the right track – economically and security-wise”.