The governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party in Rivers State, Sen. Magnus Abe has accused the chairman of Tai local government area, Mbakpone Okpe of leading thugs to attack the SDP Secretariat in Nonwa.
Abe, disclosed this during a press briefing in his office in Port Harcourt on Monday.
He said the office which was built by a member of the SDP and donated to the party, was attacked this morning by heavily armed thugs led by the council boss in a bid to stop its commissioning Today.
According to Abe, the thugs scattered the building, destroyed the equipment inside, including the stage, canopies and chairs that were arranged for the occassion.
He alleged that the council boss told those around that the SDP was trying to undermine his authority, after writing to them that they cannot hold a meeting in the area without his permission.
Abe, also alleged that the council boss said he got permission from the Commissioner of Police to stop the event. However, he said he earlier spoke with the Police boss who assured him of adequate security.
He explained that Police officers sent to the place, earlier withdrew that they could not continue to secure the place.
The SDP candidate, further explained that he visited the office Today to address party members, and that no life was lost in the attack.
He reiterated that they will continue to “fight fire with water.”
