By Adesakin Adefemi
The opening of an African Democratic Congress (ADC) secretariat in Bakassi Local Government Area of Cross River State was disrupted on Saturday by suspected political thugs, allegedly loyal to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The attackers, who were reportedly shouting that the ADC wouldn’t be allowed to operate in the council area, destroyed equipment and dispersed supporters, leaving a trail of destruction and fear in their wake.
Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic, with the attackers forcefully dismantling the setup and making away with essential materials. A video circulating on social media showed a group of youths, some of whom were wearing APC-branded attire, vandalizing the secretariat and shouting slogans in support of their party.
The Cross River State Police Command has confirmed the incident, describing the perpetrators as hoodlums, and deployed officers to restore order.
However, no arrests have been made so far, and the situation remains tense. ASP Sunday Eitokpah, the command’s spokesman, said the event was about to commence when “the hoodlums from nowhere came and scattered the canopies, chairs and sound systems.”
The ADC has condemned the attack, describing it as a blatant attempt to hijack the party’s structure in the state. This isn’t the first time the party’s activities have been disrupted in Cross River, as similar incidents occurred in Calabar in recent times.
The party’s leadership has called on the authorities to take immediate action to address the situation and ensure that its members are allowed to carry out their activities without intimidation or harassment.
The disruption has sparked concerns about the security situation in the state and the ability of opposition parties to operate freely. Many are questioning the government’s commitment to upholding democracy and the rule of law in Cross River State.
The incident is a setback for the state and the country as a whole, and it’s imperative that the government takes immediate action to address the situation and prevent further attacks on opposition parties.
The ADC is demanding that the police investigate the incident and bring the perpetrators to justice.
The party is also calling on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other relevant authorities to take notice of the situation and take necessary actions to ensure that the electoral process is not compromised.
As the situation continues to unfold, residents of Cross River State are calling for calm and urging the authorities to take action to address the security concerns in the state. The incident has raised tensions in the state, and it’s imperative that the government acts swiftly to prevent further escalation.
