In the early hours of Monday morning, an explosion rocked the Secretariat of the Action People’s Party (APP) in Rivers State, Nigeria.
The incident, which occurred around 1 a.m. at the party’s office located along the GRA axis of Port Harcourt, has raised concerns about political violence in the state.
According to sources, a dynamite was detonated at the APP secretariat, producing a loud blast that shattered windows, doors, and damaged the building’s ceiling and fittings.
The explosion left the building severely compromised and sent party members into a state of panic.
The perpetrators of the attack have not yet been identified. However, speculation suggests that the incident may be linked to the ongoing leadership crisis in Rivers State.
Tensions have been high following allegations that Governor Siminialayi Fubara is planning to defect to the APP.
This potential move is reportedly in response to claims that the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the state has been hijacked by his predecessor, Chief Nyesom Wike, who is now the Minister of Federal Capital Territory.
The APP, a relatively new and rapidly growing political party in Rivers State, has been at the center of this political turmoil.
The explosion is seen by many as an attempt to intimidate or sabotage the party’s activities and influence in the region.
Chimene, a member of the APP who spoke on the condition of anonymity, confirmed the attack and expressed concerns about the political motivations behind it.
“Yes, I’m a member of the APP. I was informed of the attack about 3 a.m. today. This is politically motivated and there is no two ways about it. They know that the APP is a fast-growing political party in the state. We call on the police to investigate this and arrest the culprits,” Chimene said.
The extent of the damage caused by the explosion is still being assessed. Preliminary reports indicate that the force of the blast caused significant structural damage to the party’s office.
The incident has prompted a strong response from APP leadership and members, who have called for a thorough investigation into the matter.
Local authorities and law enforcement agencies have yet to comment on the attack, but there are growing calls from various quarters for the police to take swift action.
The APP has urged the police to identify and apprehend those responsible for the explosion, emphasizing the need for security and stability in the region.
Political analysts believe that the timing of the attack is particularly significant, given the ongoing power struggles within Rivers State.
The situation reflects broader issues of political instability and violence in Nigeria, where political rivalries often escalate into violent confrontations.
Governor Siminialayi Fubara’s rumored defection to the APP has been a point of contention among political observers.
Fubara’s potential move is seen as a significant shift in the political landscape of Rivers State, which could potentially alter the balance of power and influence in the region.
This has likely intensified the stakes for various political factions and contributed to the tensions that led to the recent explosion.
The PDP, under the leadership of Chief Nyesom Wike, has also been a focal point of the current political discord.
Allegations of party hijacking and manipulation have fueled disputes between different factions, further complicating the political climate in Rivers State.
The explosion at the APP secretariat serves as a stark reminder of the volatile nature of Nigerian politics, where conflicts between political groups can manifest in violent and destructive ways.
The attack underscores the need for effective measures to address political violence and ensure the safety of political organizations and their members.
In response to the incident, the APP has called for unity and calm among its members and supporters. The party has emphasized its commitment to pursuing its political agenda despite the challenges posed by the attack.
APP officials have also expressed their determination to work with security agencies to bring those responsible for the explosion to justice.
As investigations into the explosion continue, the incident has drawn attention from various political and security observers who are monitoring the situation closely.
The outcome of the investigation will be crucial in determining the next steps for the APP and its role in the evolving political landscape of Rivers State.
The explosion at the APP secretariat marks a troubling development in the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State.
As the situation unfolds, the need for peaceful dialogue and resolution remains paramount to ensuring stability and progress in the region.
