The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Rivers State has voiced its disapproval of statements made by Rainbow Coalition spokesman Chibuike Ikenga about a decrease in political tensions, street clashes, and gunfire in the state.
Ikenga claimed that the recent attempts at reconciliation among political players linked to the Rainbow Coalition—a multi-party political coalition supported by Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory—were responsible for the relative calm in Rivers State.
In an interview airing Thursday on Arise Television, Ikenga—who doubles as the party’s publicist in Rivers State—made the comment.
In a statement released on Friday, the Rivers ADC sought explanation on Ikenga’s remarks through its Publicity Secretary, Chizy Enyi.
“If political reconciliation has truly put a stop to shootings and violent confrontations, the people of Rivers deserve to know who was responsible for those incidents, what led up to them, and whether the relevant security agencies investigated and punished the offenders,” the opposition party stated.
No amount of political healing can ever take the place of holding wrongdoers to account.
The ADC remembers the violence, disruptions, and intimidation that occurred in Rivers State in relation to opposition political activity.
Concerns regarding public safety and the right to vote have been justifiably heightened in the wake of these events.
We are especially worried about the growing narrative that political tranquillity is somehow beneficial for certain political objectives.
Peace in Rivers State is not a political favour that can be bestowed or revoked according to the whims of any one person, group, or alliance. Everyone living in Rivers State is entitled to it.
Violence, intimidation, or the repression of democratic liberties should never be justified on the basis of a political dispute.
According to the party, the Inspector-General of Police and the Department of State Services (DSS) should look into Ikenga’s comments and see whether they reveal anything about political violence in Rivers State in the past.