The Rivers State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has vowed to continue its political activities across the state despite alleged threats against its members.
The party said it would not allow intimidation, harassment or threats to prevent its supporters from participating in lawful political activities.
The position was contained in a statement issued on Thursday by the Rivers State ADC spokesperson, Luckyman Egila.
Egila said the party had taken note of a viral video in which a man identified as Samuel Wanosike was allegedly heard issuing threats against ADC members and warning against political gatherings in Ikwerre Local Government Area and other parts of the state.
The party described the alleged remarks as provocative and a threat to democratic participation.
“Let it be unequivocally stated; Rivers State is not a jungle, and no individual, political group or interest has the authority to determine where law-abiding citizens may assemble or conduct legitimate political activities.
“We cannot be intimidated by anybody. The era in which political opponents could be intimidated, harassed or violently prevented from exercising their democratic rights must remain behind us. Nobody has a monopoly over Rivers State, and nobody, regardless of political affiliation, office or connection is above the law.
“The ADC will neither be intimidated into silence nor driven away from any part of Rivers State. We will hold our meetings, mobilise our members, engage Rivers people and carry out every lawful political activity to which we are constitutionally entitled across all 23 Local Government Areas of the State.
“We therefore call on the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services and other relevant security agencies to immediately investigate the statements attributed to Mr Wanosike and take whatever lawful measures are necessary to prevent any threat from translating into violence,” the statement read in part.
The ADC urged security authorities to investigate the alleged threats and take preventive measures where necessary to ensure that political activities in the state are conducted without fear.
The party maintained that political differences should not be used as a basis for restricting citizens’ constitutional rights to assemble, mobilise or participate in political activities.
The development comes amid heightened political activity in Rivers State, with parties and their supporters intensifying mobilisation ahead of future electoral contests.
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