Former APC chieftain condemns burning of council secretariats in Rivers

Timi Frank, former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has strongly condemned the recent burning of two council secretariats in Rivers State, which occurred in the aftermath of last Saturday’s local government elections. The arson, reportedly perpetrated by sponsored political thugs, has drawn widespread criticism and concern.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Frank expressed his sympathy for Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the people of Rivers State. He blamed the incident on poor security management, calling for the resignation of Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike. According to Frank, both figures bear responsibility for the escalating violence and destruction of public property in Rivers State.

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Frank’s statement sharply criticised the role of the Nigerian Police, accusing them of complicity in the violence. He claimed that police officers were withdrawn from the affected council secretariats shortly before the thugs launched their attacks, suggesting that this inaction facilitated the destruction.

Although President Bola Tinubu has directed the Nigerian Police to safeguard lives and property in Rivers State, Frank described the intervention as belated and biased.

He claimed that the President’s actions favoured the faction aligned with Wike, which, according to Frank, is destabilising Governor Fubara’s administration. He accused Wike of taking advantage of his political influence and alleged support from the presidency to wreak havoc in the state.

“Wike has been boasting that he has the President’s blessings to do and undo in Rivers State, and he has commenced by setting the state ablaze,” Frank remarked. He went on to allege that Wike’s actions are part of a larger conspiracy to control the state’s resources and secure political advantages for the 2027 presidential election.

READ MORE: Fire guts Eleme, Ikwere LG secretariats in Rivers

Frank called for the immediate resignation of both Wike and the Inspector General of Police, asserting that they should be held accountable for the violence. He urged President Tinubu to step up as the Commander-in-Chief of Nigeria, rather than prioritising political allegiances within the APC.

“The President swore to carry out his duties without fear or favour, but today it is glaring that he has taken sides with Wike against the people of Rivers State,” Frank said.

He also called on prominent Nigerians, including former presidents and leaders of labour unions, to speak out and intervene to save Rivers State from further violence and destruction. Furthermore, Frank urged the United Nations to monitor the situation and hold the key aggressors accountable under international law.

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In his statement, Frank expressed strong support for Governor Fubara and called on the people of Rivers State to rally behind their leader during this turbulent period. He emphasised the need to protect the state from external forces seeking control over its resources and political influence.