Thugs suspected to be loyal to APC disrupt ADC event in C’River 

From Ene Asuquo, Calabar 

Some suspected political thugs allegedly loyal to the All Progressives Congress (APC) Saturday in Bakassi local government area of cross river state, disrupted a planned opening of African Democratic Congress (ADC) secretariat 

The thugs reportedly stormed the venue of the event, dispersed supporters of the opposition party and destroyed canopies, loudspeakers, chairs and other equipments that were set up for the event 

The problem started when irate youths believed to be supporters of APC forcefully dismantled canopies and other things at the venue while shouting that the ADC would not be allowed to operate in the local government area.

According to eyewitnesses, members of the ADC had already mounted canopies, installed public address systems and arranged seating in preparation for the opening of their secretariat when the youths arrived and halted the gathering.

In a video, a man believed to be leading the group reportedly declared that the APC would not allow the opposition party to hold political activities in the council area.

Reacting to the incident, the 2023 governorship candidate of the ADC in Cross River State, Effiong Nyong, condemned the disruption, describing it as a sign of fear and intolerance.

Nyong, in a statement, said the development showed how poverty had been “weaponised” against young people, accusing political actors of misleading youths to attack opposition figures.

“It is a very sad development coming out of Cross River State. But it shows the extent to which poverty has been weapons,” he said, adding that the party would continue to mobilise and educate citizens.

He also called on opposition figures in the state to unite to “rescue the state from a government that lacks capacity and vision,” while urging authorities to arrest those responsible for the attack.

Confirming the incident, the Cross River State Police Command described the perpetrators as hoodlums and said officers were deployed to restore order in the area.

The Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eitokpah Sunday, said the group disrupted the gathering by scattering canopies, chairs and sound systems at the venue.

He noted that although no arrests had been made as of the time of filing this report, police personnel and tactical teams were stationed in the area to prevent the situation from escalating.

When contacted, the Council chairman of Bakassi, Effiong Etim Okon, he denied any knowledge of what happened saying that he was not aware of any political event by ADC in his local government area.