Rivers Governor, Nyesom Wike
2023: Politicians now recruiting thugs, ex-convicts, cultists in Rivers for 2023 poll – Wike
[From ANIEKAN ANIEKAN, Calabar]
Rivers governor, Nyesom Wike, has warned politicians in the state against recruiting criminals to destabilize the state ahead of the 2023 General Elections.
Governor Wike who disclosed this in a statewide broadcast to the people, Sunday, said it has become imperative as he had obtained intelligence reports that some misguided politicians have started recruiting cultists, ex-convicts and thugs in furtherance of their political aspirations for 2023.
The governor also accused owners of hotels and entertainment centres of complicity saying they are in the process of giving out their premises to politicians and political parties as a convenient base for the gathering of these political thugs across the state.
He said his administration is not taking intelligence reports at its disposal lightly, and will therefore not allow any politician, no matter his previous or present position, the chance or opportunity to upset the prevailing peace and security in Rivers State.
“Similarly, 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.
“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 with their normal activities and promptly report any suspicious gatherings or movements in your vicinity to the attention of the security agencies for necessary action”, the governor said.
The governor commended the people of Rivers for standing firmly by him since May 29, 2015 saying he appreciates their trust in him.
He added that though much has been achieved thus far, more can still be achieved.
He reaffirmed his commitment to a secure and prosperous Rivers State and pledged to continue delivering till his last day in office.
“I wish to reiterate that our commitment to the shared covenant for a new, secure and prosperous Rivers State remains strong as ever and we will neither relent nor waiver in our determination to deliver all that we set out to achieve to advance our, progress and prosperity before the end of our administration.
“We have done so much and achieved a lot in the last seven years but there is still much more to be delivered. I can assure you that, and as you are witnessing, we will continue to deliver meaningful projects until our last day in office”, Wike said.
