The association made known this in a statement signed by its President, Dr. Reginald Agamah while reacting to the incident that occurred in Rivers State recently, describing the actions of the alleged pro-Nyesom Wike supporter as "utterly reprehensible."
Nigerians in diaspora, under the Association of Nigerian Professionals in Europe (ANPE) on Friday condemned the use of explosive devices during protests, particularly as it happened recently in Rivers State.
The association made known this in a statement signed by its President, Dr. Reginald Agamah while reacting to the incident that occurred in Rivers State recently, describing the actions of the alleged pro-Nyesom Wike supporter as "utterly reprehensible."
The association urged law enforcement agencies to take prompt action in apprehending and bringing to justice those complicit in the acts.
Dr. Agamah who emphasised that politics should be a noble pursuit centered on serving the people, not a supremacy battle driven by greed and ego, called on Nigerians to refrain from succumbing to violence, urging stakeholders to collaborate in restoring peace and security in Rivers State.
He said; "We unequivocally denounce these actions in the strongest terms possible as terrorism has no place in a democracy.
"The lives of our fellow citizens surpass their being used as bargaining chips in a desperate power grab by Wike and his allies."
"We must recognise that the use of weapons of mass destruction constitutes a significant and imminent threat to the lives of thousands of innocent citizens," Agamah noted.
"We will not stand idly by while our fellow citizens are exploited as pawns in a political game.
"Regrettably, the life lost in this tragic incident represents a truncated dream, a stifled vision, and a greatness that would never come to fruition. His demise is a poignant reminder not to allow desperate people to pursue power at the expense of human life and dignity.
"We earnestly entreat the citizens of Rivers State to resist the manipulative tactics of political figures, regardless of the monetary inducements offered to perpetuate chaos and unrest. Your lives possess a value that far surpasses their utility as pawns in a political game, and must refuse to be exploited in such a manner.
"Citizens must also refrain from succumbing to the allure of violence as a means of settling political scores, for such actions only serve to perpetuate a cycle of senseless violence and destruction.
"We call upon all stakeholders, including government officials, law enforcement agencies, and civil society organisations, to collaborate in a concerted effort to restore peace and security in Rivers State. The safety and well-being of all citizens must be safeguarded, and the perpetrators of violence must be held accountable for their actions.
"We stand in solidarity with the people of Rivers State during this challenging time and reaffirm our belief in a peaceful, prosperous, and united Nigeria, where the rule of law is upheld, and the welfare of citizens is prioritised."
SaharaReporters had reported that the prime suspect who accidentally detonated the dynamite near the presidential hotel on the Port Harcourt-Aba Expressway during a protest was apprehended on Tuesday.
The individual who was part of a group of protesters allegedly hired by former local government chairmen and cronies of the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, was found and arrested at the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital in Port Harcourt.
But it was not clear if it was during a protest organised by the loyalists of the minister, Wike, in support of the occupation of the 23 LGA secretariats by the police.
The Rivers State Commissioner for Health, Dr Adaeze Oreh, had confirmed the incident, describing it as a malicious attempt to detonate an explosive.
The suspect, on Tuesday night, was said to have been found receiving treatment at the state government's hospital.