October 08, (THEWILL) – Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has said that his administration will not fold its hands and watch sponsored political thugs run berserk, committing arson in the State.
The Governor has assured that working with the Nigerian Police Force and the Directorate of State Services (DSS), measures will be taken to unravel those behind the recent burning of council Secretariats at Ikwerre, Emohua and Eleme Local Government areas, with a view to making them account for their atrocities.
Governor Fubara gave the assurance while swearing in four new commissioners into the Rivers State Executive Council at Government House in Port Harcourt on Tuesday.
The new commissioners include Hon. Israel Lebura Ngbuelu, Hon. Evans Bapakaye Bipi; Barrister Otamiri John Ngubo; and Hon. Barrister Benibo Anabraba.
The Governor recalled that he had on Sunday, October 6, when he sworn in the newly elected Local Government Councils’ Chairmen, alerted to intelligence on planned mayhem by misguided persons, who had threatened to prevent the elected officers from resuming duties.
Emphasising that the sponsored political thugs hatched their plans, and burnt valued buildings at some council secretariats, the Governor noted: “I said it before it happened. I knew because they were unhappy, they would go the extra mile to create disaffection in the minds and hearts of the good people of Rivers 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.
“A similar event had happened in this manner before, and after some weeks, some of our supporters were declared wanted in order to turn the story around.
“But this time around, 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”, he said
The Governor said he has continued to show leadership, provided the climate that has engendered productive endeavours, and will not mislead those he is leading.
“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.
“So, I will encourage every one of you not to follow them with violence. We are carrying a basket of precious eggs in our hands. So, we need to follow them with carefulness and wisdom.”
The Governor also reiterated his earlier call for an effective check on oil theft.
“We are in a situation where the fund that is being generated from oil production is not sufficient to tackle the challenges of Nigeria, and every hand has to be on deck to make sure that there is an increase in production.
“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.”
Governor Fubara congratulated the newly sworn-in commissioners for making it into the Rivers State Executive Council.
“We want to be sure, at this point, who we are adding to the Council so that we will not wake up one morning and see a resignation letter. So, we are taking our time. And usually, after a normal political period, there used to be what we call balance. So, I can also say that the new Commissioners that are coming in are coming from their zones to balance the political equation.
“So, let me thank every one of you. Let me also use this opportunity to thank the good people of Rivers State for their support, and to assure them that we will continue to defend, and protect the interest of Rivers people.
“I want to thank every one of you for your support, more especially before, during and after the elections. I appreciate your doggedness, your belief in our course to salvage this State, to protect the integrity of this State”, he added.
