Mustapha Gbande, the National Democratic Congress's (NDC) deputy general secretary, has justified the acts of purported party members who are charged with destroying state institutions and damaging public property.

Gbande maintained that rather than using violence, these people were defending state property. The NDC is working with the police to restore peace and order and resolve the matter in a cooperative manner, the party's deputy general secretary added in an interview with Citi Eyewitness News on Wednesday, January 8.

"The youth of this nation are committed to changing the perception of our nation, which allows individuals to steal government funds and property without consequence. It is regrettable, but I believe we should honour people who are making sacrifices to safeguard and maintain state property.

An entirely other problem would arise if they were also stealing and bringing it home. However, if it is true that they are relocating and safeguarding state assets that are being taken away by government officials, then I believe that we are dealing with a problem that the party has come to recognize.

"In an effort to normalize the situation, we have been collaborating with the Inspector General of Police and a few skeletal members of the previous administration who are still in their positions."