A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Bode George, has warned the Nigerian Government against instigating an avoidable crisis in the country.
He gave the warning amid the reported occupation of the party’s National Secretariat by armed police officers.
NATIONAL POST reports that the policemen were sighted occupying strategic locations at the PDP secretariat in the early hours of today, Monday.
The PDP in a terse statement claimed that the policemen prevented its members from having access for the National Executive Council (NEC) and Board of Trustees (BoT) meetings slated for today.
While expressing anger over the development, George warned the Federal Government against plunging the country into an avoidable crisis.
“It’s strikingly annoying. This is our property. Was there any court order to say we will not hold our meeting in our office? What is going on? I was a young man in 1962 when it all started in the South West. We must avoid that madness. What is it? Can’t we sit and talk? What is the essence of democracy?
“Nigerians are watching, you came to our office, surrounded by police because we want to have a meeting?
“You want to turn us to North Korea or turn this country to Russia? We will not allow it, Nigerians will not allow it,” he vowed.
Meanwhile, in a reaction, the Federal Capital Territory, FCT Police Command denied sealing off the secretariat.
According to the command, its men were only there to maintain peace and order.
A statement issued by the command's spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh said the "information is false, misleading, and does not reflect the true situation on ground".
She added that the officers were there to "maintain law and order and ensure public safety in line with their constitutional mandate.
"At no time was the Secretariat sealed off by the Police.
"The Commissioner of Police, FCT, urges media outlets to verify information through the office of the Command police public relations officer before disseminating," she reiterated.