Cross River State: PDP urges public to disregard APC’s ‘militarization’ allegation
By Sixtus Uket (Calabar)
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Cross River State has described as “mischievous”, attempts by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), to label the Federal Government’s provision of adequate security around polling units and drafting of the military to flashpoints as directed by the President a case militarization of the polity.
The State Publicity Secretary of PDP, Prince Mike Ojisi, made the assertion in a statement titled: “RE: Militarization of Elections: A subtle intimidation and invitation to thuggery and Violence,” issued Thursday and made available to journalists in Calabar, the State capital.
“Our attention has been drawn to a Cross River State Government press release signed by Christian Ita Esq, the Chief Press Secretary/Special Adviser, Media and Publicity to the Governor, that is supposedly addressed to the stakeholders and members of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
“To say the least, even though we are not surprised, we are appalled and embarrassed by the unethical and unprofessional deployment of the office of the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor for partisan politics which constitutes a gross abuse and misuse of government office by a government official of such repute as the Chief Press Secretary. We expect that this unorthodox APC government would at least know the difference between a Government assignment and a partisan political duty which should be the exclusive preserve of the Publicity Secretary of APC, even if they do not have an effective one.
“We wish to remind all Cross Riverians and in fact the APC that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in collaboration with all security agencies including the military have assured Nigerians of a more robust and stronger security coverage in the forthcoming elections. We are all aware of the President’s orders and warning to the caucus of the APC that all flash points will be adequately policed even by soldiers.
“Therefore, we consider the Christian Ita signed APC Press release as intended to undermine the Federal Government, and indeed, the warning of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces and President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and a subtle invitation to thugs of the APC to undermine the security put in place for a hitch free election,” Mr. Osiji stated.
He called on all PDP stakeholders and the people of Cross River State not to be deterred by the subtle effort of the APC to undermine the Federal Government’s preparedness to ensure a peaceful, free and fair conduct of the March 18, 2023, Governorship and House of Assembly elections.
“We remain confident that adequate security will be put in place before, during and after the elections on the 18th of March, 2023 so as to enable every eligible and willing voter to exercise his or her franchise devoid of any form of intimidation.
“We urge all good citizens to come out enmass, vote and ensure that their votes count for the candidates of your choice,” the PDP State Publicity Secretary added.
