The Inter Party Advisory Council of Nigeria (IPAC) has strongly condemned the bombing of the Action Peoples Party (APP) Secretariat in Rivers State, which occurred in the early hours of yesterday.
The council, while describing the bombing of the party office as an attack on Nigeria’s democracy, charged President Bola Tinubu to direct security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation into the bombing, identify and prosecute the perpetrators.
IPAC, in a statement by its national publicity secretary, Chinyere Kalu, said this heinous act has not only caused panic and terrorised peaceful residents but also threatened the fragile political stability of the nation.
The council said, as the umbrella body of all political parties in Nigeria, it is deeply troubled by the escalating trend of political violence and terrorism and urged President Bola Tinubu to take swift and decisive action to address this menace, which poses a significant threat to the democratic values and national security.
It said the bombing of APP’s secretariat is a brazen attack on democracy, the rule of law, and the very fabric of the society, adding that it is a stark reminder that political extremism and terrorism can undermine two and a half decades of unbroken democracy, emboldening those who seek to destroy the nation.
It noted that this bombing cannot be unconnected with desperate politicians seeking control of all the political structures in the state and are not ready for an alternative view and vibrant opposition.
The council added that these reactionary elements should allow democracy to strive in the state and should not see politics as a do or die venture.
IPAC warned that any form of terrorism in the federation can be exploited by criminal elements to further their ill-conceived agenda.
It therefore implored President Tinubu to direct security agencies to: “Conduct a thorough investigation into the bombing; Identify and prosecute the perpetrators and take proactive measures to prevent future attacks.”
It called on all political parties, stakeholders, and Nigerians to: “Condemn this act of violence; Promote peace, unity, and democratic values and support the government’s efforts to combat political extremism and terrorism.”
