The Rivers State chapter of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, has expressed concern over remarks by the spokesperson of the Rainbow Coalition, Chibuike Ikenga, regarding the reduction in political tensions, street fights and gunshots in the state.
Ikenga had attributed the relative peace in Rivers State to recent reconciliation efforts among political actors associated with the Rainbow Coalition, a multi-party political group championed by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
Ikenga, who is also the Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, APC in Rivers State made the remark on Thursday while appearing on Arise Television.
Reacting in a statement issued on Friday, the Rivers ADC, through its Publicity Secretary, Chizy Enyi, demanded clarification on Ikenga’s comments.
According to the opposition party, “if political reconciliation has indeed brought an end to shootings and violent confrontations, Rivers people deserve to know who was responsible for those incidents, what circumstances gave rise to them, and whether the appropriate security agencies investigated and brought the perpetrators to justice.
“Political reconciliation must never become a substitute for criminal accountability.
“The ADC recalls the incidents of intimidation, disruption of political gatherings and attacks involving opposition political activities in Rivers State.
“These incidents have raised legitimate concerns about the safety of citizens and their freedom to participate in the democratic process.
“We are particularly concerned that political peace is increasingly being presented as the achievement or benevolence of particular political interests.
“Peace in Rivers State is not a political favour to be granted or withdrawn at the convenience of any individual, faction or coalition. It is the fundamental right of every resident of Rivers State.
“No political disagreement should ever provide justification for violence, intimidation or the suppression of democratic freedoms”.
The party called on the Inspector-General of Police and the Department of State Services, DSS to “examine Ikenga’s remarks in their full context and determine whether they disclose information relevant to previous incidents of political violence in Rivers State.
“Where necessary, he should be invited to provide clarification.”
Investigate Rainbow Coalition’s comments on gunshots in Rivers – ADC to DSS, Police