That Rivers APC’s Threat To Democracy

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, penultimate Thursday, threatened to unleash mayhem and terror during the national, state assembly and governorship elections billed for February 16 and March 2, 2019, if the party’s candidates are not enlisted in the ballot papers of the aforementioned elections.
A Federal High Court in Port Harcourt, presided by Justice Kolawale Omotosho, had on January 7, 2019 nullified APC’s primaries and congresses in the state in separate suits filed by Senator Magnus Abe and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state over breach of the Electoral Act (as amended).
In its ruling, the court directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to delist APC’s candidates as they relate to the governorship, National and State Assembly elections, a ruling yet to be vacated by a higher court.
Though, the matter is now pending before an appellate court, the faction of the APC loyal to the Transportation Minister, Rotimi Amaechi vide its aspirants, took a dramatic step when its flagbearers addressed the media in Port Harcourt in which the party vowed to let hell loose while threatening that elections will not hold in the state, if INEC fails to enlist its candidates in the ballot papers for the elections.
Speaking through its spokesman, Henry Odili, the party warned that INEC and the judiciary should be held responsible for any bloodletting that may happen in the state, insisting that the party would never allow the polls to hold without the party’s candidates.
While The Tide subscribes to the universal truism that the Amaechi faction of the APC’s aspirants are entitled to vote and be voted for, we strongly condemn the undemocratic and unlawful posture of the Amaechi faction of the APC and its leaders.
It is our opinion that they must resort to legal and legitimate means in seeking redress in a court of competent jurisdiction and never to resort to violence or breach of peace and order. Happily, the case is now before the Federal Court of Appeal and awaiting necessary legal actions.
The factional APC and its agents should and must not circumvent the law but must follow the laws of the land as enshrined in the 1999 Federal Constitution (as amended), the Electoral Act and court rulings.
It must, therefore, always seek redress in a court of competent jurisdiction if it feels so injured and not to exhibit actions reminiscent of jackboot impudence associated with military juntas.
The Tide considers the recent action and utterances of factional leadership of the APC as very undemocratic, uncivil and uncalled for. From all indications, it is the hand of Esau and the voice of Jacob! It is, indeed, condemnable, unacceptable and should not be allowed to stand.
The APC must always be lawful and not take laws into its hand. The security agencies ought to have, by now, invited and interrogated those threatening fire and brimstone in the state for questioning and possible prosecution.
Anything contrary will mean that our security operatives are already looking the other way, just because the ruling party, APC is involved.
This development does not and cannot tell well of Nigeria in the comity of nations. Enough of this brashness, arrogance and impunity of the highest order.
Rivers State belongs to everybody. Elections will come and go but the state will remain for the present and future generations.
The factional APC’s posturing and position are unknown and unacceptable to law, democratic values and civilised societies. Any action capable of leading to anarchy must be nipped in the bud, no matter whose ox is gored.