The Rivers State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party says it has uncovered a well-orchestrated plot by some All Progressives Congress (APC) politicians of Ogoni extraction to use military helicopters to bomb some parts of Ogoni communities suspected to be hideouts for those perceived to be opposed to their political ambitions.

PDP State Chairman, Bro Felix Obuah, in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Jerry Needam, identified Magnus Abe and Barry Mpigi as those at the heart of the alleged plot. Both men, according to PDP, “reportedly held a meeting with top leadership of the party in Abuja, demanding that the Presidency approves the use of military helicopters to bomb areas suspected to have provided cover for certain individuals considered not cooperating with them.”

Continuing, the statement said: “The information has it that the operation will be carried out in the guise of raiding criminal hideouts but the actual motive is to target and eliminate those perceived to be stumbling blocks to the realisation of their political aspiration and victory of the APC in the area.

“While we, as a responsible and law-abiding political party will do nothing to jeopardise the peace and security efforts of government in the state and across the nation, we condemn the reckless, illegal and selfish politically motivated military raids in parts of the state by self-seeking political actors.

“We also condemn the APC politicians using their privileged access and relationship with the federal authorities and government to continue to cause violence and insurrection in parts of the state when there is no need for such action.”

Rivers PDP also noted that the police have not failed in their efforts to secure and rid the state of criminals as to warrant the use of military war helicopters, as required in Sambisa Forest or in Afghanistan.

It therefore called on the military authorities to consider the possible colossal effects of such operation in an area where the mess from the February 22 and 23 carnage and the consequences of their deployment during the March 19, 2016 re-run elections in the State are still on ground.

“In our view, using military helicopters in clearing the communities when the situation can still be handled by the police will do the people of the area no good but would cause more woes and anguish for the people,” PDP said.

“It is also important we draw the attention of President Buhari to the sanctity of lives of innocent and law abiding citizens living around the target areas and the need to protect them and their properties while considering taking such actions,” the party added.

•Photo shows Bro Obuah

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