No fewer than fifty (50) police officers in unmarked pickup trucks, blocked access to the roads around the PDP secretariat in Cross Rivers, on Saturday. The armed operatives were seen supervising the stripping of flags and renovations ongoing in the secretariat.
This is coming three days after the Governor, Ben Ayade, declared his intention of leaving PDP for APC, and has gone ahead to convert the PDP secretariat to that of the ruling party.
According to information gathered by Obinwannem News, the building was stripped of the party’s flag and repainted with green and white colours.
Meanwhile, the owner of the property raised alarm over the attempt by the All Progressive Congress, to take over his property, without any form of negotiations; noting that People’s Democratic Party, remained the tenant.
According a statement signed by the Estate Administrator, Lawrence Asuquo, PDP’s tenancy with the family was said to be subsisting, and they remained his legal and recognized tenant. He added, that APC had never approached him for any formal agreement to take over the property.
Consequently , the Commissioner of Police, Cross Rivers State, Sikiru Akande gave a warning on Saturday in a press statement, signed by Public Relations Officer, PPRO, DSP Irene Ugbo; that it would deal decisively with any unscrupulous element trying to cause a bridge of peace in the state.
The Commissioner said, “The attention of the Nigerian Police has been drawn to plans by some individuals, groups to disrupt the renovation work going on in No 142(a) Muritala Muhammed Highway, Calabar.
“For the avoidance of doubt the property is a rented property, and its tenancy is not in contention.
“As a responsible command, we will not sit back and watch any person(s) come to disrupt the relative peace we have worked tirelessly to achieve. All are warned to maintain peace, law and order.
“The current situation is a wake up call to men of character to rise up, put resources together to put up a structir that will not be contentious in future.
“The Cross River Police Command, will not hesitate to deal decisively any unlawful activity with the full weight of the law.”
Ijeoma Njoku reporting, Obinwannem News | May 22, 2021
