By Godwin Chukwumaechi, Port Harcourt
The Chief Tony Okocha-led faction of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State on Monday inaugurated a 9-man committee to investigate issues surrounding the arson attack on the party secretariat along PH-Aba expressway in the early hours of October 5, 2024.
The inauguration of the 9-man committee led by Kelechi Nwizu is the first major assignment by the new executive of the APC led by Okocha and was carried out after a meeting by members of the state executive council of the party.
Rivers State held its local government elections under Governor Siminalayi Fubara on Saturday October 5, 2024, though the election was dogged by controversies including an announcement that morning, of the attack on the APC office by hoodlums who allegedly attempted to burn down the office.
According to police report on the incident, the explosion at the APC happened at approximately 3:00am, adding that the security guard reported “hearing a loud bang and upon investigation, observed three black Toyota Hilux vans speeding away from the scene”.
It said that the explosion caused significant damage, destroying the gate and shattering the windows of the building. The security building was also set ablaze in the attack.
Following the incident, the police command mobilised to the scene, the Explosive Ordinance Disposal and the Anti Bomb squad.
“An improvised explosive device (IED) was recovered at the APC Secretariat and the team has identified the use of incendiary materials in the arson of the security building”, the report stated.
It added; “The Anti Bomb squad has collected samples from the scene for forensic analysis and investigations are ongoing to apprehend the perpetrators of thees heinous act”, urging the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities”.
Okocha explained that the party was forced to set up the committee because of the refusal of Governor Fubara to include the arson attack on the APC as part of the incidents to be covered by the panel of inquiry set up by the governor to investigate the burning down of some local government secretariats by hoodlums shortly after the council election and the newly local government chairmen were set to take over the secretariats.
He said that despite the reminders that arson attack on the APC and that of the burning of the State House of Assembly, be also covered by the government panel, the governor refused to budge.
He said the APC, thus decided to set up its own committee to investigate the arson on its secretariat.
“We want you people to take note because the governor appointed a commission on the burning down of local government secretariats. We reminded the governor to include our own office that was attacked.
“We also reminded the governor of the arson attack on the Rivers State House of Assembly. He refused because the view is that the house of assembly was pulled down at his behest.
“The governor has proven that APC can go to hell. But we won’t go to hell. You can’t shave the head of a man on his absence. No invitation was sent to us.
“We are still pained by the developments in Rivers State and APC agreed to set up it’s own panel of inquiry. And the panel is empowered to invite anyone since no one is above the law.
“Its duty is to unearth the immediate and remote causes of the burning of the APC in Rivers State”.
The newly elected APC chairman informed Nigerians that President Bola Tinubu was working tirelessly to return the country to El Dorado noting that his many visits across the globe were beginning to yield results.
“His recent visit to South Africa, is already opening a new vista of relationship between Nigeria and South Africa”, Okocha stated..
He commended the President because the Port Harcourt refinery was back up and running saying that it was part of his promises and the country has started to witness changes.
“He has also given a marching order for the reactivation of the Warri and Kaduna Refineries and the second phase of the Port Harcourt refinery. Isn’t it a thing of joy?”
He called for patience, support and prayers for the President. “You cannot plant orange and expect to start bearing fruits the next day”, Okocha stated.
