PDP kicks as police halt proposed rally ahead bye-election in Cross River
Police Command in Cross River has temporarily halted the planned Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from flagging off campaign in preparation for the February 26 bye-election in the North Senatorial zone of the state.
It would be recalled that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had scheduled the Ogoja-Yala Federal constituency and the Akpabuyo state constituency bye elections for Saturday, February 26 and released a schedule for political activities to commence.
It was in line with the election umpire’s guideline that the PDP scheduled to kick-off campaigns on Saturday, February 19, 2022.
However, officers of the Cross River State Police Command at the instance of the Commissioner, Mr. Aminu Alhassan, cordoned off the Calabar Sports Club, venue of PDP rally.
Alhassan, in an interview with some journalists, confirmed that he deployed policemen to temporarily seal off the venue die to security concerns.
“I sent the security to avoid breakdown of law and order in the state. Two big parties cannot hold events the same day so that they will not cause problem.
“So, I had to stop the PDP’s own and allow APC. PDP can hold their own tomorrow, please,” CP Alhassan stated.
He further explained that the two political parties applied and received approvals to hold their events, noting that “the APC youths summit had already started their activities, which is climaxing today.”
Meanwhile, those expected at the PDP rally included; State Governors Nyesom Wike of Rivers, Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom; and Mr. Godwin Obaseki of Edo, alongside his Benue counterpart, Mr. Samuel Ortom, as well as, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta.
It was gathered that the PDP campaign committee, made up of over 1, 000 members was to be inaugurated Saturday, February 19, 2022, and dispersed to their various wards and polling units to intensify campaigns for the two candidates, Mr. Mike Usibe for Ogoja/Yala Federal constituency and Dr Effiom Ekeng Edet for Akpabuyo State House of Assembly.
Reacting, State chapter of the party in a statement signed by its Publicity Secretary, Mr. Mike Ojisi said: “We received with utmost dismay and consternation the news of the ignoble attempt by Governor Ben Ayade to stop the epoch-making PDP flag-off rally scheduled to hold today, 19th February 2022.
“As a party, we condemn in strong terms this bizarre act of political intolerance, bullying and intimidation by the governor. It is worthy of note to stress that the said flag-off rally has been approved by INEC and all the relevant agencies in the State, as such, we find the governor’s attempt to stop the rally absolutely unbecoming, nauseating and undemocratic.
“We call on security agencies to rise up to the occasion and guarantee the safety of all PDP faithful. We call on all party faithful to remain committed and resolute as this too shall pass. Cross River State belongs to all of us; and nobody no matter how highly placed can deny us the privilege of political participation.”
