Abia govt raises the alarm over plot to burn state INEC headquarters

. Allegation, a plot to cause mischief, mayhem in the state – APGA

From PETER OKORE, Umuahia
Barely two weeks after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) office was
set ablaze by yet to be identified arsonists, the Abia State government has said that it has confirmed another clandestine plan by those it described as anti-democratic forces and anarchists to burn down the INEC headquarters in Umuahia.
A statement from the Government House in Umuahia, signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Godwin Adindu, stated that the intension of the dastardly act is to create the impression that Abia State is unsafe and that there is atmosphere of insecurity in the state.
The statement alleged that the plot is being hatched as a justification and reason to coerce the electoral tribunal sitting in Umuahia to relocate to Abuja, stressing that it is the same enemies of the people that burnt down the INEC office at Mgboko, headquarters of Obingwa Local Council that are hatching the wicked plot.
The state government warned those involved in the anti-people and anti-democratic act to desist from such acts as security forces have been notified and mandated to deal ruthlessly with anyone caught in the crime.
In its own reaction to the alleged plot, the Abia State chapter of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), said in a statement made available to newsmen in Umuahia, that it listened with dismay and deep concerns to the statement aired by the state government through the Broadcasting Corporation of Abia State, alleging that it had uncovered plans by “political enemies” to burn down the headquarters of INEC in Umuahia.
It noted that APGA views that statement as ominous and symptomatic of a plot to cause mischief and mayhem in the state with an intention to blame a perceived enemy.
The statement, signed by the Abia State Chairman of APGA, Rev. Augustine Ehiemere, made it clear that APGA had thoroughly considered the implication of such an evil plot and maintained that as long as the PDP remains in government, they have a legitimate and moral obligation to protect lives and property in the state, unless the government’s statement was a ploy to deceive undiscerning members of the public ahead of its own plan to again burn down INEC facility in the state.
“Otherwise, it has an obligation to apprehend the would-be suspects and prosecute the suspects.”
The APGA statement read in parts: “APGA notes that the essence of the media statement is for the government to prematurely absolve itself of any blame after it had masterly executed the plot so that it could again turn around to point accusing fingers at another direction as it did in the case of Obingwa.
“That APGA has no reason to destroy evidence at INEC office which it requires to prove its case at the tribunal and that we have implicit confidence in the Governorship Election Petition Tribunal to deliver judgment in favour of its governorship candidate and a change agent, Dr. Alex Otti.
“APGA therefore uses this medium to alert the Inspector-General of Police and Director of Security Services of the plot by the Abia state government to sponsor another act of arson on INEC facility in the state. APGA further urges security agencies to reinforce security around the INEC building in Umuahia for a-24-hour surveillance to avert the impending attack as pre-empted by the state government.
“That security agencies should swing into action immediately by quizzing top government functionaries, who should be accomplices to the privileged information about the imminent attack on INEC office. APGA further calls on the security agencies in the state not to treat the government statement with levity.
“APGA will no longer tolerate acts of impunity and brazenness and express the resolve and determination to resist attempts by any person or group to destroy evidence needed to successfully prosecute our petition at the tribunal”.