From Romanus Ugwu, Abuja
THE All Progressives Congress (APC) has reacted to the 2019 postulations of the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, urging him to concentrate in curtailing the spate of mass killings and violence perpetuated under his watch and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state.
Wike had stated that the PDP is currently ‘reorganised’ to take over the ‘seat of power’ in 2019.
However in a press statement signed by the National Secretary of the ruling party, Mai Mala Buni, APC cautioned security agencies and Nigerians not to be hoodwinked, alleging that it was his latest ploy to deflect attention from the continued and increased spate of mass killings and violence under his watch.
“The spate of killings in Rivers State has now assumed genocide dimensions with horrendous killing and maiming of residents and security personnel almost on a daily basis. 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 governor.
“The APC calls on the police and other security agencies to, as a matter of urgency, rise to stop the breakdown of law and order which has resulted in mass killings and other forms of violence in Rivers State,” the party noted.
Meanwhile, the ruling party further noted 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.
“Commendably, 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 has 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 among other pro-people developmental policies.
“Also, President 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.
“In spite of desperate attempts by the PDP and its agents to discredit President Buhari’s anti-corruption efforts, the war against corruption is won and has 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.
“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,” the party noted.