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PORT HARCOURT — The Rivers State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has challenged the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, over his reported threat to stop the party’s vice-presidential candidate, Rotimi Amaechi, from campaigning in Rivers State, declaring that the minister has no right to dictate the political activities of opposition parties.

The party said the reported threat was an attempt to undermine democratic freedoms, insisting that Amaechi was entitled to visit Rivers State, canvass for votes and engage residents without seeking permission from Wike or any other political officeholder.

The ADC’s reaction followed a statement attributed to Wike on Saturday, in which the minister reportedly vowed to prevent Amaechi from campaigning in the state unless he accounted for alleged misappropriated funds.

In a statement, the Rivers ADC Publicity Secretary, Barr. Chizy Eneyi, said the party would ordinarily have ignored “this latest episode of political entertainment.”

He, however, said the minister’s remarks demanded a response, adding, “However, when a serving Minister abandons reasoned political engagement for personal insults, unsubstantiated allegations and threats against an opposition candidate, silence becomes inappropriate.

“We find it rather amusing that a man who served as Chief of Staff to Amaechi and subsequently as a Minister under the same political administration now speaks as though he has only just discovered who Amaechi is”.

The party questioned why Wike, after spending eight years as governor of Rivers State, had not taken legal steps against Amaechi if he had evidence to substantiate the allegations of financial misconduct.

“Eight years as Governor, yet the evidence apparently only comes out whenever Amaechi speaks. What an extraordinary coincidence!

“We would remind the Honourable Minister that television studios are not courtrooms, political insults are not evidence, and shouting allegations into microphones does not amount to securing a conviction”.

The ADC urged Wike to present any evidence of alleged wrongdoing to the relevant authorities rather than make accusations through the media.

“Let him present it to the appropriate authorities. Nigerians deserve facts, not another episode of political name-calling,” the statement said.

The party also questioned the minister’s reported declaration that Amaechi would face difficulties campaigning in Rivers, arguing that no individual could claim exclusive control over political activities in the state.

“Difficult to campaign? Since when did Rivers State become a private estate requiring the permission of Nyesom Wike before citizens can exercise their constitutional rights?

“Let us remind the Minister that Rivers State belongs to Rivers people, not to any individual, however powerful he imagines himself to be.

“Amaechi does not require Wike’s permission to visit, campaign or seek the votes of Rivers people. Neither does the ADC.”

Expressing concern over the implications of the reported threat, the party called on security agencies to protect opposition politicians and their supporters during political activities across the state.

“We consider this statement particularly troubling given the history of political intimidation and attacks on opposition activities in our state. We therefore call on the relevant security agencies to take note of the Minister’s remarks and ensure that the constitutional rights and safety of all political actors are protected.”

The ADC further questioned Wike’s involvement in Amaechi’s political engagements, given his responsibilities as Minister of the FCT.

“We also find it curious that a Minister entrusted with the administration of the Federal Capital Territory appears to devote so much energy to monitoring the political activities of one man,” the statement said.

The party urged the minister to prioritise issue-based political engagement and refrain from personal attacks and allegations that had yet to be established through the appropriate legal process.

Reaffirming its commitment to providing an alternative political platform, the ADC said it would continue to advocate accountable leadership and defend the right of Rivers residents to choose their leaders without intimidation.

“We are focused on presenting Nigerians with a credible alternative, restoring accountable leadership and ensuring that Rivers people can freely choose their leaders without fear.

“If Amaechi is as politically irrelevant as his detractors would have Nigerians believe, why does every statement he makes appear to require an emergency response from Wike?

“Sometimes, the loudest response is the clearest admission that the message has hit home”.

The party maintained that neither Wike nor any other public officeholder could determine who was allowed to campaign in Rivers State.

“The party concluded by saying that Rivers State is not anybody’s inheritance. Democracy is not a private franchise. And no Minister holds the licence to determine who may or may not campaign in Rivers State”.

Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).