Atiku denounces torching of ADC headquarters in Rivers, calls for investigation

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has denounced the attack on the African Democratic Congress office in Ubima, Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State, labeling it a perilous menace to Nigeria's democratic framework.

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The incident, which occurred on Thursday night, involved suspected thugs setting the ward office of the ADC in Ubima community ablaze, as earlier reported by PUNCH Online.

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Atiku Abubakar expressed his concerns via his verified X handle on Friday, stating that the attack signifies a disturbing pattern where members of the political opposition and their assets are increasingly being targeted.

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In his post, Atiku explicitly condemned the attack on the African Democratic Congress office, emphasizing that such actions undermine the country's democratic institutions.

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According to Atiku, the development suggests that attempts to undermine opposition parties may have escalated into overt violence against their members and facilities, which he views as a hazardous trend.

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He warned that the incident transcends partisan politics, posing a significant threat to the fundamental principles of democracy, and thus requires immediate attention from the authorities.

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Atiku urged the administration of President Bola Tinubu to guarantee the safety and security of opposition members and their properties, emphasizing that this is a fundamental expectation of Nigerians.

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He characterized the attacks as an assault on Nigeria's democracy, rather than merely targeting the opposition coalition ADC, and stressed the need for the government to prioritize the protection of opposition members' lives and properties.

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Atiku called for an independent investigation into the incident to ensure that those responsible are held accountable and prosecuted in accordance with the law.

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He cautioned that failure to investigate and prosecute the perpetrators may embolden others to commit further violence against opposition members and their properties.

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Atiku also referenced a previous incident, stating that they are still awaiting the outcome of the investigation into the attack on Mr. Peter Obi and other ADC leaders, which occurred last week in Benin, Edo State.