PDP Kicks As Police, DSS Seal Party Secretariat In Ondo

The leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State has condemned the sealing up of its state secretariat in Akure, the state capital by the operatives of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and the Department of State Services (DSS).

The party, however, gives the state governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, a three-day ultimatum to resume work to the state or resign his position.

Speaking through its publicity secretary, Kennedy Ikantu Perettei, PDP said, “As early as 6.00 am, a combined team of police, DSS men, and anti-cultist unit of the Nigeria Police stormed the Ondo State PDP Secretariat with Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC), more than eight Hilux vehicles, and nearly 400 men in all to seal off the secretariat to stall a PDP youth wing protest to demand the whereabouts of Ondo State Governor Rotimi Akeredolu who has not been seen in Ondo State since April this year.”

Peretei who said the security operatives also disallowed staff members of the secretariat from gaining entrance into their offices, noted that the stern-looking officers offered no explanations for their actions

According to him, “It took frantic efforts of members of the PDP State Working Committee (SEC) before the secretariat gate was opened amidst serious tension and confrontation.

“Photo Journalists were threatened to stop recording anything lest their cameras were smashed. But as the PDP youths forced themselves into the secretariat, proceeding on a street protest would amount to daring the trigger-happy police to do their worst.”

Peretei continued, “As much as the officers tried to stop the protest, they failed because the youths displayed their banners and placards to journalists who gained entrance into the secretariat.

“As we speak, the policemen are still in front of the secretariat with their vehicles. I want to use this medium to appeal to the inspector-general of police (IGP) and the commissioner of police, Ondo State Command to immediately withdraw their men from our secretariat.

“We cannot be intimidated by security agents who are paid with taxpayers’ money. We have the right to demand the whereabouts of the governor if he is missing in action,’’ he said.