APC, PDP in ‘do-or-die’ mission over Rivers re-run election

The All Progressive Congress and Peoples Democratic Party are presently talking tough hours to the Rivers state re-run election planned to hold Saturday, December 10.

John Odigie-Oyegun, chairman of APC ‘set’ the ball rolling when he declared point-blank that members of the party should retaliate  whatever action they get from supporters of the PDP in the state  during the re-run election.

Media reports quoted Oyegun as saying that the re-run is “the beginning of a rescue mission”, calling on party faithfuls not be intimidated.

He made the  call while speaking at the mega rally of the APC at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium in Port Harcourt, River state Thursday, saying that “I am glad with what I am hearing here today; very glad. If they push you, push them back. If they slap you, slap them back,” 

His words: “I am very pleased with the turnout here today. It shows you are truly ready. As you can see, we came in force. The whole federal might is here. You have the governors of this nation here today.”

“We are sending one message, and that message is clear. It is that we respect you the people of Rivers State. We respect the courage of our members in this state. We want to let you know that we have heard your cry; we have seen your anguish; enough is enough. This is the beginning of a rescue mission.”

In his speech, minister of transportation Rotimi Amaechi, urged the crowd to ensure their votes were protected as Saturday’s poll would be an “election of their (APC) lives”.

His words: “This is what is called election of our lives. You know I have never spoken like this before. Do not kill anybody; but, don’t allow yourself to be killed. We also have to protect ourselves,” he said.

“I don’t want to hear that they snatched the result sheet from you. If they snatch it, collect it back from them. My phone will be switched off. Nobody should call me. The only time you will call me is from 6pm when you have won the election.”

But, Nyesom Wike governor Rivers state, slammed the APC’s campaign rhetoric as an “invitation to violence”.