Rivers state governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has vowed that his administration will not sit aloof and watch sponsored political thugs run berserk, committing arson in the atate.
The governor assured that working with the Nigerian Police Force and the Directorate of State Services (DSS), he would take measures to umask persons behind the recent burning of council Secretariats at Ikwerre, Emohua and Eleme local government areas.
Fubara gave the assurance while inaugurating four new commissioners at the Government House in Port Harcourt on Tuesday.
Those sworn-in are Dr. Israel Lebura Ngbuelu, Evans Bapakaye Bipi; Otamiri John Ngubo and Benibo Anabraba.
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Fubara recalled that during the inauguration of the newly elected local government council chairmen on October 6, 2024, he had alerted security agencies about intelligence reports of a planned disruption by certain individuals who threatened to prevent the elected officials from assuming office.
Fubara said the sponsored political thugs hatched their plans and burnt buildings at some council secretariats.
He said: “I said it before it happened. I knew because they were unhappy, they would go extra miles 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.”
Fubara commended Rivers people for their patience and calmness by majority despite their anger with the reckless acts of the misguided miscreants.
The governor said he had continued to show leadership, provided the climate that had engendered productive endeavours, and would not mislead the people.
He said: “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 everyone 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.”
Fubara reiterated that the sustained progress of Nigeria mattered most to Rivers insisting that if oil theft was not checked, the country’s economy would be badly impacted, and there would not be funds to address critical issues.
He said: “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 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.”
Fubara explained that his administration was doing a lot for the good people of the state, but were not visible enough because of the political drama in the state.
He, however, said that his administration was working out modalities, and would soon choose a day, which could probably be before the end of October, 2024, to showcase a few projects and services that had positively impacted lives in the state.
Fubara congratulated the newly sworn-in commissioners for making it into the Rivers State Executive Council.
He explained that more persons whose loyalty were for Rivers people and the administration needed to be admitted into the Rivers State Executive Council to help drive the policy of government.
Fubara said: “We want to be sure, at this point, who we are adding into the Council, so that we will not wake up one morning and see resignation letter. So, we are taking our time.
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“And usually, after a normal political period, there used to be what we call balancing. So, I can also say that the new commissioners that are coming in are coming from their zones to also balance the political equation.”
Fubara charged them to be dedicated, forthright, diligent and productive while rendering quality services to the State.
The governor said he believed in their capacity to deliver because of their exposure to the workings of government and expressed the hope that they would contribute positively to the success of the administration.
He said: “So, let me thank everyone 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, protect the interest of Rivers people.
“I want to thank everyone 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.”
