The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Enugu State has reacted to the Nigeria Democratic Congress's (NDC) response to the state's government position on recent incidents involving the NDC. The APC stated that individuals and institutions claiming integrity should admit mistakes, confess transgressions, and apologize to the people. This comes after the Enugu State Government, through Secretary to the Government Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, made certain claims about the incidents.
The NDC had faulted some of the government's positions, claiming it only planned an airport reception for its governorship candidate, Chinyeaka Ohaa, not a 'Grand Statewide Campaign Flag-off' as stated by the government. The party also claimed to have notified law enforcement agencies and made payments to the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN). However, the APC's state Publicity Secretary, Chief Uche Obute, insisted that the NDC must apologize to the people of Enugu and Nigerians for lying to them for political gains.
The APC criticized the NDC for observing a minute's silence to mourn the living, questioning how they could do so while still verifying the medical status of injured persons. The party described this as a pattern to orchestrate violence and attribute it to the APC for cheap political capital. The APC also disputed the NDC's claim that it only planned an airport reception, citing a Facebook post by Ohaa promoting a 'Grand Statewide Campaign Flag-off.'
According to Obute, promotional materials and posts by Ohaa clearly indicated a grand campaign flag-off event. The APC commended the Governor Peter Mbah Administration for upholding the freedom and democratic rights of the people of Enugu State. The party advised opposition parties to present their manifestoes and campaign on them rather than stoking political tension.
The incidents in question involved an airport reception and alleged shooting at the NDC's state secretariat. The NDC is still verifying the final medical status of all injured persons. The APC's statement reflects a deepening political rift between the two parties in Enugu State.
The Enugu State Government's position on the incidents was marshaled by Prof. Chidiebere Onyia on Sunday. The government had claimed that the NDC's event was a grand campaign flag-off, not just a reception. The APC's response indicates that the party will not back down on its claims.
The situation remains tense in Enugu State as the APC and NDC engage in a war of words. The APC has called on the NDC to apologize for its actions, while the NDC maintains its version of events.
Key points
- The APC has criticized the NDC for lying to Nigerians and observing a minute's silence for the living.
- The NDC had claimed it only planned an airport reception, not a grand campaign flag-off.
- The APC has commended the Governor Peter Mbah Administration for upholding democratic rights.
