BREAKING: Bomb Explosion Hits APC Secretariat in Rivers State

In the early hours of Saturday, an explosion rocked the state secretariat of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, just hours before the scheduled local government elections. The incident, which is suspected to have been caused by dynamites, damaged the main gate, the security house, and parts of an adjoining building.

Video footage of the attack circulated widely on social media, showing the extent of the damage to the opposition party's headquarters. Chief Tony Okocha, the factional caretaker committee chairman of the APC in Rivers State, pointed fingers at supporters of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, accusing them of being responsible for the attack. In a message to journalists, Okocha stated, "Pro-Fubara civilian soldiers detonated dynamites at our office. The second attempt to set it ablaze was foiled by the security personnel who managed to put out the fire."

The APC had earlier announced its decision not to participate in the local government elections taking place across the state, citing various concerns. Ironically, the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, led by Hon. Chukwuemeka Aaron, also declared that it would not partake in the election. However, the national leadership of the PDP later voiced its support for the polls, urging the people of Rivers State to come out and vote.

This explosion is seen as part of the escalating political tension in Rivers State, where accusations of interference, security breaches, and clashes between political factions have heightened the atmosphere in the run-up to the elections. Both the APC and the PDP have been at the center of these controversies, with the situation threatening to disrupt the electoral process.

The authorities are expected to investigate the cause of the explosion and ensure that security is maintained across the state as citizens prepare for the local government polls amidst an already tense political environment.