Governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, Dr Dakuku Peterside has again condemned the relentless murder and attack on members and supporters of the APC in the state.

Peterside, who said this in Port Harcourt, decried the never-ending circle of deaths and intimidation that now characterises the lives of APC faithful across Rivers State.

“Political rights and freedom of expression are inalienable rights. As citizens, we must work to ensure that these rights remain unchallenged. Sadly, we have all watched helplessly in the last couple of years as our freedom of thought and association has suffered one form of infringement or the other,” he said.

He also recalled that APC had witnessed persistent killings, torture, disappearances, harassment, intimidation and threats of its members, saying there is no way development can come to a people who are intolerant of others’ views. That is why, he said, the party must work towards enthroning a system that can tolerate criticism and opposition.

He stressed that APC members have been lately attacked and killed in local government areas like Asari-Toru, Khana, Onelga, Ikwerre, Eleme, Port Harcourt City and the list continues.

Peterside added that his people are still in shock over the gruesome murder of Chief Christopher Adube, a chieftain of the party in Onelga.

He said that the widow of Adube, Madam Adube has already accused Felix Obua, chairman of the PDP of ordering the murder of her husband.

“I understand the gunmen also killed another five APC supporters and razed the house of another APC chieftain.

“The chairman of our party has already reacted to the killing of a monarch and nine others in Obrikom by PDP thugs. Even Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi’s convoy was attacked at Eliprianwo a few days before the presidential election.

“After the announcement of the presidential result, we also witnessed another round of killing and attack of our members in different parts of the state.

“This time around, votes must count. The charade that took place on 28 March in the name of election will not repeat itself. I think we are all in agreement about the need to deliver to the people of Rivers State a free, fair and credible election,” he said.

Peterside, therefore, called on the military high command and everybody concerned to work towards returning confidence to the ballot box by showing courage and patriotism “because the whole world is watching and they cannot afford to disappoint the nation.”

•Photo shows Peterside.

Update news