In order to advance their political ambitions for 2023, certain misguided politicians have reportedly begun recruiting cults, ex-offenders, and thugs, according to intelligence reports obtained by Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike.
However, the governor declared that if campaigns for the main election get underway, his administration will not tolerate violence.
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In a state broadcast on Sunday, August 7, Wike emphasised that the state government does not take the intelligence reports at its disposal lightly. As a result, no politician, regardless of his past or present position, will be given the chance or opportunity to disturb the state’s current peace and security.
What Wike Said
This was said in a statement made on Sunday night by Kelvin Ebiri, the governor’s press secretary.
Wike said,
We will not allow any political party, be it the All Progressives Congress, the Peoples Democratic Party or the Social Democratic Party, to threaten the safety and security of lives and property during the campaigns with mayhem, thuggery or violence.
Accordingly, we have already alerted and set the security agencies on the trail of these misguided politicians and leaders of political parties and stop them in their tracks with the full weight of the law.
We also wish to warn owners of hotels and proprietors of relaxation centres to take notice and desist from releasing their facilities for politicians and party leaders to use to meet and plot against the peace, safety and security of our state.
The governor warned that the state government will pull down hotels and other entertainment places that are linked with such criminal political activities.
He said;
I wish to reiterate our unwavering commitment to safeguarding the sanctity of lives and property throughout the state and to reassure everyone that we shall continue to spare no effort to keep Rivers State safe and secure.
We urge residents to be vigilant while going about their normal activities and promptly report any suspicious gatherings or movements in your vicinity to the attention of the security agencies for necessary action.
Wike commended the people of the state for the support they have been giving his administration since May 2015 till date.
