PDP Crises: Police seal off New PDP secretariat in Port Harcourt

The newly-inaugurated secretariat of the New Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Port Harcourt, Rivers State was yesterday sealed off by the Police in the state.

The policemen who shut down the secretariat shortly after it was commissioned, were led by Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the Criminal Investigations Department (DC, CID), Sam Oghaora. They pulled down the six poles flying the PDP's flags and two national flags as party members in the premises were chased out of the premises.

The Chief of Staff to Governor Chibuike Amaechi, Chief Tony Okocha, inaugurated the secretariat and hoisted the party's flags. He was supported by top Rivers government officials and politicians.

Amaechi is one of the seven PDP governors who formed the Kawu Baraje-led New PDP on August 31.

The secretariat, directly opposite the old GRA Police Station, was the headquarters of Amaechi Campaign Organisation in 2011.

No fewer than 16 police patrol vans were in front of the sealed secretariat as at press time. Two of the vehicles were used to barricade the main entrance. The policemen did not allow access to the premises.

Amaechi, who has been at loggerheads with the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Mbu Joseph Mbu, described the police action as 'barbaric', saying it will be challenged in court.