The Presidency yesterday read the Riot Act to the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) over its directive to its members in the National Assembly to shut down the Federal Government over the impunity its is allegedly perpetrating in Rivers State.

Alhaji Ahmed Gulak, Special Adviser to President Goodluck Jonathan on Political Affairs, said in a statement issued in the Nigerian capital, Abuja: “The Federal Government has directed the law enforcement agencies to take seriously all statements aimed at inciting violence and disturbing the peace.”

Gulak added: “The Federal Government fully recognises the constitutional guarantees of freedom of speech and freedom of assembly, we regard such enshrined constitutional guarantees of basic rights of Nigerians as the pillars of democratic governance; we know that the full enjoyment of such rights come with personal and civic responsibilities on individuals and groups, it is therefore regrettable and unfortunate, that APC which prides itself as a progressive party, should go all out to incite its supporters to resort to self help to redress their grievances.

“This is a display of desperation and crass opportunism by a political party that wants to win at all cost. There are rules of engagement and we expect all parties to abide by such rules rather than fomenting trouble in order to gain media attention.”

News Express reports that APC had at a meeting of its interim National Executive Committee (NEC) held Thursday (Jan. 23) in Abuja directed members of the party in the National Assembly to henceforth shoot down any bill from the Presidency, including the 2014 Budget and the list of 12 ministerial nominees submitted for screening and approval by President Jonathan. The decision has, however, attracted widespread condemnation by Nigerians, who argue that the threat if carried out would compound the woes of the masses.

•Photo shows Special Adviser to the President on Political Affairs, Alhaji Ahmed Gulak.