In an interview with Channels Television’s LunchTime Politics from 12:30, Darlington Nwauju, the reinstated Publicity Secretary of the Rivers State All Progressives Congress (APC), strongly criticized the formation of a nine-man committee to investigate the October 5, 2024, bombing of the party’s secretariat. The bombing, which occurred on the same day as the local government elections, has stirred significant debate within the party and across the state.
Chief Tony Okocha, the APC Rivers State Chairman, announced the committee as a means to uncover the perpetrators behind the attack and recommend preventive measures. However, Nwauju described the move as a gross overstep of authority, arguing that security investigations should remain the exclusive domain of law enforcement agencies and not a political party. He further accused Okocha of exploiting the perceived calmness of the state governor to carry out what he termed as a “show of shame.”
The decision has sparked internal controversy, with critics warning that it sets a dangerous precedent for political interference in security matters. While Okocha and his allies insist the committee is necessary to protect the party’s interests, opponents within the APC argue it undermines the rule of law and tarnishes the party’s reputation.
“It’s a complete show of shame and it’s disgraceful for somebody to wake up and want to kidnap the powers of the executive. This is taking hate in politics and toxicity too far. We all know that he cannot dare it if it was Nyesom Wike; nobody dared it. When business premises of perceived political opponents of Mr. Nyesom Wike were clamped down, nothing happened. And so, how can somebody wake up one morning because of the perceived gentleness or calmness of the Governor and you claim to empanel a group of individuals to investigate? Who gave you such audacity?” Nwauju said.