The Presidential Campaign Council of the Peoples Democratic Party has reacted to the sealing of the campaign secretariat of its candidate, Atiku Abubakar, in Rivers State.
The spokesman for the PCC in Rivers State, Dr. Leloonu Nwibubassa, made the confirmation while speaking with The PUNCH, Saturday morning.
Nwibubasa said the sealing of the secretariat located at No. 32, Onne Road, new GRA in Port Harcourt, was clearly the handiwork of the Governor Nyesom Wike led administration to stifle perceived political opponents.
Nwibubassa said the sealing of the Atiku campaign office had again shown that Wike had misused his powers as Governor of the state.
He said, “It is very unfortunate and I think that all civil society groups, the international community, all lovers of democracy all over the world must understand that Governor Wike has misused his powers as governor.
“Not just to suppress and oppress, but to intimidate the people of Rivers State from expressing their free will to support any candidate of their choice or to be a member of any party of their choice, as expressly guaranteed in the grand norms of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“We have condemned it as an act of lawlessness by the governor.”
The State PDP PCC spokesman further said it was sad that Wike by his actions did not appreciate what he benefited from, in the present democracy, having been a two time chairman of a local government in 1999, and also became a Chief of Staff. He was Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and completing his second tenure as Governor,” he said.
Nwibubassa however said, “By closing down the political space in Rivers State; by intimidating and suppressing voices that are in opposition to his own bidding, Governor Wike is exalting himself to become the leader of all anti-democratic forces in Nigeria militating against the grand norms of the Federal Republic of Nigeria that guarantees freedom of association, freedom of lawful and peaceful assembly.
“Everything about that secretariat and campaign office, every requirement has been made.
“So the governor is left with no excuse that the action that he has taken is completely outside the law. It is vindictive. It is against the right of the people,” he added.
Continuing, he said, “So, for us, it is unfortunate and we think that all well- meaning lovers of democracy should speak out against Governor Wike’s intent on his actions so far.
“Is it simply that Governor Wike lost the primary election to clinch the ticket of the PDP or there are other motives behind Governor Wike to try to truncate the democracy of Nigeria, using Rivers State as his experimental space?
“We are also aware that there are other governors trying to do similar thing.
“So if people like Governor Wike are allowed freely disregard the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria by his actions, by the things he is doing today and if people will copy from his example, before you know, Nigeria will become a theatre of anarchy, and this is exactly what everyone must come and condemn and to avoid.”
Meanwhile, a letter from the Rivers State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development and addressed to the Director-General of the PCC, gave an insight to the development.
The letter signed by the Director, Physical Planning and Transport, Stella Enyadike, on behalf of the Commissioner obtained by our correspondent was titled, ‘Re-application for change in use.’
The letter dated December 19, 2022 read, “We write in reference to your application for change in use/purpose dated November 28, 2022, for your campaign office at No. 32 Onne Road G.R.A phase 2 Port Harcourt.
“In your response letter to our notice served, no title document was attached. Also, your contact phone number cannot be reached.
“We have sent text messages to this effect to you on the subject matter for you to furnish this office with your title documents.
However, we are aware that the area, G.R.A 1and 2, is designated for residential purpose.
“Therefore, the use of the property as a campaign office (semi-public) is contrary to the designated use.
“In the light of the above, your application for change in use/purpose cannot be approved.
“Please accept the assurance of the Hon. Commissioner.”
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