In the wake of the uprising that claimed no fewer than three lives and council secretariat destroyed in Rivers State, Governor Siminalayi Fubara has reaffirmed his commitment to maintaining peace and order, vowing that supporters of former Governor Nyesom Wike will be held accountable for their actions.
Governor Fubara assured that his administration will not fold its hands and watch sponsored political thugs run berserk, committing arson in the state. “We want to also let the people know that what has happened (arson) after the election, we are not going to allow it to go uninvestigated,” he stated.
Working with the Nigerian Police Force and Directorate of State Services (DSS), measures will be taken to identify and prosecute those responsible for the recent burning of council secretariats at Ikwerre, Emohua, and Eleme Local Government areas.
Fubara recalled predicting the violence, saying, “I said it before it happened. I knew because they were unhappy, they would go extra miles to create disaffection in the minds and hearts of the good people of Rivers State.”
He emphasized that a similar event had occurred previously, and after some weeks, some of his supporters were declared wanted in an attempt to distort the truth. However, Fubara vowed that this time, with the support and cooperation of the Nigerian Police and DSS, those behind the assault will be held accountable.
“I strongly believe, with the support and cooperation of the Nigerian Police and the Directorate of State Services (DSS), we will unravel those behind the assault and make sure that they account for their atrocities,” Fubara declared.
During the swearing-in ceremony of four new commissioners, Fubara praised the calmness and patience shown by the majority of Rivers people despite the reckless acts of the misguided miscreants.
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“As your leader; the one steering the ship, I assure you I will not mislead anyone of you. I still stand on the path of peace. We have cases of arson in some local government areas. But, I appreciate your calmness. I have always maintained that we are going to be the greatest losers, if we meet them force-for-force. We need to go with peace,” Fubara urged.
He reiterated the importance of supporting Nigeria’s progress, emphasizing the need to address oil theft and pipeline vandalism. “Our focus here, not minding the distractions, will be how to provide support. You have to work with us to make sure that we curb this issue of oil theft and pipeline vandalisation. This is the only way that the allowances (revenue) will increase and more will also come to our State, and more progress will also be achieved in this State.”
The newly sworn-in commissioners include Hon. Israel Lebura Ngbuelu, Hon. Evans Bapakaye Bipi, Barrister Otamiri John Ngubo, and Hon. Barrister Benibo Anabraba.