By Precious Amadi
The African Democratic Congress (ADC), Rivers State Chapter, has raised the alarm over what it described as an escalating pattern of violent attacks, threats, and intimidation targeted at its members across the state.
The party’s reaction follows a recent early-morning attack on the residence of an ADC member, Mr. Thomas Isaiah Madubochi. According to the party, the victim’s home was allegedly ransacked, looted, and set ablaze by unknown attackers shortly after he hosted a political meeting on his premises.
Following the incident, the ADC governorship candidate, Sir Gabriel Baritulem Pidomson, alongside the State Chairman, Chief (Engr.) Dr. Chukwudi Dimkpa, visited the site to inspect the destruction.
In a formal statement issued after the visit, the ADC called on the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), and other security agencies to launch an urgent investigation into eyewitness accounts and bring the perpetrators to justice, regardless of their political status.
“Rivers State belongs to all its citizens,” the party stated, emphasizing that no group or individual holds the right to use fear or violence to suppress political association. “Neither intimidation nor violence will prevent the ADC from operating in communities across Rivers State or stop our members from exercising their constitutional rights.”
While reiterating its commitment to peace, the party urged security agencies to proactively protect political gatherings across all 23 local government areas in Rivers State. The ADC leadership instructed its members to remain peaceful, vigilant, and law-abiding by documenting and formally reporting any acts of intimidation, while clarifying that its commitment to non-violence should not be mistaken for helplessness.
