24th January, 2015
Okafor Ofiebor/Port Harcourt
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Rivers state, backed by a full compliment of detachment of combat-ready soldiers in the early hours of today, as they took over all the entrance and exit of the 40,000 capacity of Adokiye Amasiemaka Stadium in Igwuruta, Port Harcourt billed for Presidential Campaign rally of President Goodluck Jonathan.
Nyesom Wike, PDP governorship candidate, Dr Mrs Ipalibo Bani his running mate and prominent party chieftains took a tour of the stadium today in preparation of the presidential rally.
Governor Chibuike Amaechi of Rivers state and Nyesom Wike and PDP chieftains have engaged in war of words over the refusal of Governor Amaechi to grant permit for the use of the stadium.
The governor explained that when the APC used the stadium on two occasions the state government had to pay extra cost for pulling out the contractor from the construction site.
He said further that disruption of work on the stadium by contractors will require them to move out of site and it would delay its government’s commitment to the complete the stadium.
General Muhammadu Buhari, the APC Presidential candidate flagged off his campaign rally at the stadium.
On 26 May 2014, Amaechi held a mega rally to mark the seventh anniversary of his administration at the stadium.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State Police Command has confirmed the bombing of the National School field, venue of the APC governorship candidate, Dakuku Peterside slated for Saturday in Okrika by unidentified assailants.
In a statement signed by the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Dan Bature, he said the podium and public address systems were damaged. “No life was lost and the area is now under police control while Police Bomb Disposal unit has commenced discreet investigation.
“The incident has heightened tensions and from our assessment has the capability of degenerating to a situation where the protection of life and property will be threatened. Consequently, the Command has advised All Progressives Congress (APC) to reschedule the rally to another date.”
“While the Command is determined to discharge its constitutional mandate of protection of life and property, all political parties are hereby warned to adhere strictly to the Code of Conduct guiding political activities in the State, respect of law and order and eschew violence in all its ramifications before, during and after 2015 general elections”.
The commissioner said the Command is determined to enforce law and order, provide adequate security for all political parties and ensure that the full wrath of law is visited on any person(s) who dare and wish to test its capability.
Police has since cordoned the bombed venue and has directed APC to reschedule its rally elsewhere because of the tension in the area.