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LequteMan
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The Chief of Staff to Governor Chibuike Amaechi, Chief Tony Okocha, yesterday inaugurated the Port-Harcourt secretariat of the New PDP and hoisted the party’s flags. He was supported by top Rivers government officials and politicians.
The secretariat, directly opposite the old GRA Police Station, was the headquarters of Amaechi Campaign Organisation in 2011.
The Osun Defender said shortly after the inauguration policemen arrived, led by Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the Criminal Investigations Department (DC, CID), Sam Oghaora. They pulled down the six poles flying the PDP’s flags and two national flags. Party members in the expansive premises were chased out and the secretariat was sealed off.
Commissioner of police Mr. Mbu Joseph Mbu said leaders of the new PDP did not clear with him before inaugurating the party’s secretariat.
Governor Amaechi has described the police action as “barbaric”, saying it will be challenged in court.
“How could we have gone to clear with Rivers Commissioner of Police, when we were not protesting? Nonetheless, we have achieved our aim, which is opening of the secretariat.”
“The responsibility of Mbu’s policemen in Rivers State is no longer the protection of lives and property. The commissioner of police is now a politician. We will not allow the impunity.” He added.
The state’s chairman of the PDP, Chief Felix Obuah, described the inauguration of the secretariat as “provocative”, an “affront”, to cause chaos and breakdown of law and order.
He said it would be criminal to open another PDP secretariat, besides the one used by the party led by Alhaji Bamanga Tukur.
“There is a subsisting Federal High Court order, barring any attempt to impersonate and, or float any other political party in the name of the PDP, which must not be abused, as a law-abiding party.” He said.