Panic as dynamites explode at Rivers PDP primaries

There was panic in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, yesterday, as two dynamites exploded during the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) councillorship primaries.

The Guardian learnt that the incident happened about 3:00 p.m. at the party secretariat​ along Aba Road when party supporters who were angry over the way the candidates were selected started protesting.

An eyewitness said while an argument ensued, an explosion was heard at the secretariat, which was later discovered to be dynamite detonated by bombers in a car.

Party supporters at the secretariat who came to support their preferred​ candidates scampered for safety, but the reason for the detonation of the device was unclear as at press time.

However, sources said the incident might not be unconnected with the alleged imposition of candidates in some council of the state by political godfathers.

When contacted, PDP Spokesman in the state, Sydney Gbara, said there was no bomb explosion, adding that they only heard heavy noise at the secretariat.

“There was no bomb explosion, we heard heavy noise around the party secretariat and some policemen were also sighted but they didn’t arrest anybody.

“As we speak, the distribution of materials is ongoing and everything is going peaceful, so we enjoin the public to move about their normal duties as there is calm in the state.”

Also contacted, the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Nnamdi Omoni, said there was no official report on the matter, adding that police officers were deployed to the scene of the primaries to maintain peace and order.