Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has vowed that his administration will not stand by and allow politically sponsored thugs to wreak havoc and commit arson across the state.
Fubara reiterated his commitment to collaborating with the Nigerian Police Force and the Directorate of State Services (DSS) to identify and bring to justice those responsible for the recent burning of council secretariats in the Ikwerre, Emohua, and Eleme Local Government Areas.
He assured that the culprits would be held accountable for their actions.
The governor made this statement while swearing in four new commissioners to the Rivers State Executive Council at the Government House in Port Harcourt on Tuesday.
The newly sworn-in commissioners are Hon. Israel Lebura Ngbuelu, PhD; Hon. Evans Bapakaye Bipi; Barrister Otamiri John Ngubo; and Hon. Barrister Benibo Anabraba.
He said, “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.”
Governor Fubara commended the majority of Rivers residents for maintaining calm, despite their frustration over the reckless actions of a few misguided individuals.
He reiterated his commitment to strong leadership, fostering a climate that promotes productive efforts, and assured the people that he will continue to guide them responsibly.
“As your leader, the one steering the ship, I assure you I will not mislead any one 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 care and wisdom.”
Governor Fubara stressed that the top priority for Rivers State is to contribute to the sustained progress of Nigeria.
He warned that if oil theft is not curbed, it will severely harm the nation’s economy, leaving insufficient funds to tackle critical issues across the country.
“We are in a situation where the funds being generated from oil production are not sufficient to tackle the challenges of Nigeria, and every hand has to be on deck to make sure 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 vandalization.
“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.”