Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has expressed deep concern over a plot to instigate violence at the Rivers State Government House in Port Harcourt.
Governor Fubara, who disclosed this in a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Kelvin Ebiri, warned that the perpetrators of this heinous plot would face the full wrath of the law if their nefarious plan is carried out.
According to the governor, the plot to cause unrest at the Government House was hatched by some unscrupulous individuals who are bent on destabilizing the state and creating a climate of fear and uncertainty. He described their actions as “wicked, callous and utterly unacceptable.”
“We have credible intelligence that some individuals are planning to cause violence at the Government House,” Governor Fubara stated. “These individuals are acting out of desperation and frustration because they have failed to achieve their political ambitions through legitimate means.”
The governor assured the people of Rivers State that his administration remains committed to maintaining peace and security in the state. He urged the citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the relevant security agencies.
“We will not allow a few misguided individuals to disrupt the peace and progress of our state,” Governor Fubara declared. “We will continue to take all necessary measures to protect the lives and property of our citizens.”
Following the governor’s alert, security forces in Rivers State have been placed on high alert to prevent any outbreak of violence. The police, army, and other security agencies have deployed personnel to strategic locations around the Government House and other key areas in Port Harcourt.
The Commissioner of Police in Rivers State, Eboka Friday, said that the police are aware of the plot to cause unrest and have taken steps to prevent it from happening. He urged the public to cooperate with the security agencies and provide any information that could lead to the arrest of the perpetrators.
“We are aware of the intelligence report and we are taking all necessary precautions to prevent any form of violence,” Commissioner Friday said. “We are working closely with other security agencies to ensure that the state remains peaceful.”
The plot to cause violence at the Government House comes amid heightened political tensions in Rivers State. The state is gearing up for the 2024 general elections, and there are concerns that the political rivalry between the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) could escalate into violence.
Governor Fubara has been a vocal critic of the APC-led federal government, and there have been reports of clashes between supporters of the PDP and APC in different parts of the state. The governor has accused the APC of trying to destabilize Rivers State and undermine his administration.
The APC has denied these allegations, and the party has accused Governor Fubara of using his position to harass and intimidate opposition politicians. The party has also called on the federal government to intervene in the political crisis in Rivers State.
The plot to cause violence at the Government House has raised concerns about the possibility of electoral violence in Rivers State during the 2023 general elections. In the past, Rivers State has been known for its violent and contentious elections, and there are fears that the upcoming elections could be even more volatile.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said that it is working with security agencies to ensure that the elections are free, fair, and peaceful. The commission has also called on all political parties and their supporters to conduct themselves peacefully during the electoral process.
As the 2024 general elections approach, there is a growing call for peaceful elections in Rivers State. Civil society organizations and religious leaders have urged all stakeholders to put aside their differences and prioritize the interests of the state.
The Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers has also appealed for peace and urged all politicians to avoid actions that could lead to violence. The council has called on the security agencies to be vigilant and ensure that the state is not plunged into chaos.
In the face of the ongoing political tensions in Rivers State, there is a need for dialogue and reconciliation. It is important for all stakeholders to come together and find common ground.
Governor Fubara has called for a national dialogue to address the challenges facing Nigeria, including the issue of insecurity and political violence. The governor has also urged the federal government to take steps to promote unity and reconciliation in the country.
As Rivers State prepares for the 2024 general elections, it is imperative that all stakeholders work together to ensure that the elections are peaceful and credible. The future of the state depends on the ability of its leaders to put aside their differences and prioritize the interests of the people.
