Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has said the state has 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 however said his administration would not allow violence once campaigns start ahead of the general election.
Wike, in a state broadcast on Sunday, emphasised that the state government 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 the state.
This was contained in a statement issued by the governor’s media aide, Kelvin Ebiri, on Sunday night.
The statement quoted the governor as saying, “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 their normal activities and promptly report any suspicious gatherings or movements in your vicinity to the attention of the security agencies for necessary action,” he said.
Wike commended the people of the state for the support they have been giving his administration since May 2015 till date.
