The Association of Nigerian Professionals in Europe (ANPE) has strongly condemned the use of explosive devices during recent protests in Rivers State.
This reaction follows an incident on June 25 in Port Harcourt, the capital of Rivers State, where an explosion occurred during a protest by political associates of Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The protest was against policies of Governor Siminalayi Fubara. A protester reportedly attempted to detonate an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) near Hotel Presidential, resulting in self-injury.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, ANPE President Dr. Reginald Agamah expressed shock over the incident, describing it as “egregious and violent” and “utterly reprehensible.”
“We unequivocally denounce these actions in the strongest terms possible, as terrorism has no place in a democracy,” Agamah stated. “The lives of our fellow citizens surpass their being used as bargaining chips in a desperate power grab by Mr. Wike and his allies.”
Agamah emphasized that politics should be a noble pursuit focused on serving citizens, not a battle for supremacy driven by greed and ego. He called on citizens to resist manipulative tactics and refrain from violence, urging all stakeholders to collaborate in restoring peace and security in Rivers State.