February 19, (THEWILL) – The Cross River State Command of the Nigeria Police, have disrupted the official flag off of the campaign for the by-elections by the PDP in the state.
Dozens of policemen barricaded the Calabar Sports Club, venue for the flag off.
The armed policemen came alongside their armoured personnel carrier and blocked the venue.
However, the party men defied the action of the police and continued with preparations for the event, but it is still unclear if the flag off will go ahead.
The PDP event coincides with the 30,000 youths summit, which is being organised by youths of the APC in the state.
In a telephone interview, the Cross River State Police Commissioner, Aminu Alhassan, confirmed that he deployed his men to cordon off the venue of PDP rally, saying it is because of a security report.
He said: “I sent the security to avoid breakdown of law and order in the state. Two big parties cannot hold events the same day, so that they won’t cause problems.
“So, I had to stop the PDP and allow APC its own. PDP can hold their own tomorrow please.”
The Police Commissioner said both applied and he gave them all approval, but that the APC Youth Summit has been having their activities and today is the main day.
About the Author
THEWILL Correspondent, Aniekan Bassey has over six years experience that spans across several fields in print journalism including development communication, sexual reproductive and health rights issues, crime, climate change, social justice, business and human interest stories.
