Gladys Nweke
The Rivers State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has appealed to journalists and international observers in the State to be alive to their responsibilities by reporting the invasion, harassment and arrest of PDP members by elements of the Nigerian military.
The PDP in a statement in Port Harcourt said the call became necessary against the backdrop of monumental atrocities being unleashed on members of the PDP in the State by soldiers.
The party regretted that at the last count, over 50 houses belonging to prominent members of the PDP across the State have been destroyed while many homes have also been cordoned off, holding PDP members hostage for no justification.
The PDP reminded journalists and foreign observers of their place as the bastion of hope for the common man, even as it urged them to do the needful so that the world would appreciate the inherent dangers such actions portend for the survival of democracy in the country.
The Rivers PDP, which also described journalists as co-travellers in the developmental journey of the State, said Rivers people are counting on their support and cooperation in this regard.
The party regretted that this spate of intimidation and harassment by soldiers is but a ploy orchestrated by the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) to cause chaos and anarchy in the State and create room for the declaration of a state of emergency.
The PDP also used the medium to appeal to the Presidency, the Inspector-General of Police and the GOC 6 Division of Nigerian Army, to call the soldiers in Rivers State to order and allow for peaceful, fair and transparent elections on Saturday.
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