Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State has said that the no amount of illegal use of force by security agents will intimidate the government and people of the state.

Speaking during the opening of a community hall in Ogbogoro Town in the Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of the state, Wike, said that his administration was committed to the legal use of the people’s mandate to advance the course of development.

The governor, represented by his Chief of Staff, Chukwuemeka Woke, urged the people of the state to remain calm, in spite of the provocative actions against their interest.

Wike, who was making reference to the invasion of the Rivers State Neighbourhood Safety Corps Agency’s training camp by soldiers, maintained that such action was carried out in bad faith.

He said, “The Rivers State House of Assembly passed a bill establishing the Neighbourhood Safety Corps Agency.

“The Governor of Rivers State signed that bill and it became a law of the state. If anybody or any organisation or institution has anything against that law, the  natural thing to do is to go to court and challenge that law.

“You are aware and have seen the level of provocation by the Federal agencies. Only last week, they invaded the training camp of the Neighbourhood Safety Corps Agency.

“But we are urging the people of Rivers State to remain firm and strong.  I tell you that as far as Rivers State is concerned, we cannot be intimidated. No amount of federal might can intimidate us.”

The governor added that the Rivers State Neighbourhood Safety Corps Agency had empowered youths across the state.

Calling on communities across the state to remain peaceful and support peace initiatives that would engender development, he said, “I thank you again for the peaceful atmosphere that we witnessed here since the week-long celebration. It shows that this community is in peace and everybody is living in peace.  There cannot be any meaningful development in any community where there is no peace.

“Let me also thank the youths of this community because I am aware that this project would not have come to this stage of opening if the youths did not maintain peace in this community.

“I urge other communities in Ikwere ethnic nationality and indeed Rivers State at large to emulate the conduct of Anaka community,” the governor added.

He assured the people of the area that his administration would continue to execute projects for the people as a means of boosting the economies of communities. – Punch

– Dec. 3, 2018 @ 9:55 GMT |