The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State has confirmed that its lawyer, Dr. Godswill Dike, who was allegedly kidnapped by supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has been released. APC Campaign Council spokesman Sogbeye Eli told our correspondent in a telephone interview on Friday, “Yes, I have been told he has been freed, although I have not established contact with him. When I speak with him, I will be able to give you the other details.” The party’s Publicity Secretary, Darlington Nwauju, also posted on Facebook on Friday morning that Dike was free, writing, “Dr. Godswill Uche Dike Esq is free…much thanks to all our friends in the media for showing courage and acting as responsible watchdog of society.”
Dr. Dike, the brother of state APC legal adviser Barr. Azubuike Dike, was abducted at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) headquarters by alleged PDP supporters after receiving election documents from the commission. It remains unclear whether the CTC documents taken by his captors have been recovered. APC spokesperson Barr. Eli dismissed rumors of a clash between the two parties, stating, “There is nothing like that. The PDP is the aggressor. We (APC) are not in any kind of fight with them. They are the ones attacking us and that is clear for all to see.”
Meanwhile, the PDP protest at the INEC office on Aba Road in Port Harcourt entered its fifth day on Friday. PDP members and supporters returned to the office, continuing their demand for a joint inspection of election materials. Speaking to our correspondent, PDP Publicity Secretary Sydney Gbara said the protests would persist until INEC addresses their demands. The protest began on Thursday evening when PDP supporters laid siege to the INEC office, barricading the gate and preventing staff from leaving. Some commission employees, who had closed for the day, were forced to remain inside the building, fearing attack. The protesters alleged that the APC, in collusion with INEC, was planning to remove election materials. During the confrontation, thugs infiltrating the protest fired gunshots to intimidate people.
As of the time of this report, police have not issued an official statement regarding Thursday’s siege of the INEC office, nor have they commented on the abduction and subsequent release of the APC lawyer.
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