A day after security operatives
disrupted the rally organised by the
All Progressives Congress in Obio/
Akpor area of Rivers State, the
Ikwerre Local Government chapter of the party has accused the police of invading the council headquarters during its rally on Wednesday.
According to APC allegations, the police shot teargas at party supporters, brutalised traditional rulers and law- abiding citizens in the area.
The opposition party also accused the the police of destroying canopies, chairs and public address system and seized valuables of party supporters at the rally.
Commenting on the situation to the
journalists, an APC chief in the area, Elder Chidi Wihioka, said the party had earlier informed the police in writing that the Ikwerre Local Government Chapter
of APC would be visiting wards to hold rallies and sensitise the people about the party activities.
Wihioka said,
"We had to converge on the
Ikwerre Local Government Council
to observe the arrangement of
canopies, chairs and tables before I
started getting calls here and there
by a group.
"But we decided not to get worried
because we had earlier informed
the police of holding rallies in the
various wards. We also expected a
written response from the police."
APC chief referred to the freedom of association and claimed it had been violated by the police.
He also added,
"When the Grassroots Democratic
Initiative holds its rallies,
sometimes, it is without police
permit; but it is most surprising
that the police give GDI and PDP
police permit and protection."
Morevoer, the Chairman of Ikwerre Local Government Area, Mr. Welendu Amadi,
flayed the increasing level of hostility against members of his party and law- abiding citizens in the area. The State Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Ahmad Mohammad, said he had travelled
out of the state.
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