Rivers State Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has threatened to deploy the Rivers State Neighbourhood Watch Safety Corps to maintain law and order if the Nigeria Police continues to support political parties that instigate violence in the State.
During a speech at the State Primary School in Elekahia, where the Rivers State People’s Democratic Party Port Harcourt City Local Government Area Campaign Flag-off Rally was being held, the governor expressed his disappointment at the levels of encouragement that the Rivers State Police Command has been giving to certain political actors to act in violation of the law.
Governor Wike advised the State Police Command to carry out its duty in safeguarding the laws of the State to prevent a breakdown of law and order.
He stated that if the command refuses to do so, his administration will be forced to direct the officers of the Rivers State Neighbourhood Watch Safety Corps to ensure that the laws of the State are obeyed.
The governor accused some political actors of disobeying the statutory laws of the State while claiming that they are being stopped from campaigning.
He explained that there is no one stopping any political group from campaigning, but if they use a public facility, they must pay the required non-refundable security fee of NGN 5 million.
Governor Wike emphasized that his party, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), is following the law even though they are in power. He challenged other political groups to also follow the law, warning that there will be consequences if they do not.
The governor also took a swipe at Dakuku Peterside, the former Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, for daring him to name his preferred presidential candidate. Governor Wike called Peterside a “shameless politician” and added that he does not understand the activities of the G-5.
The Rivers State governorship candidate for the PDP, Sir Siminialayi Fubara, asked the people of Port Harcourt to show their support for Governor Wike by voting for the PDP consolidation team. He stated that a vote for him would mean a continuation and consolidation of Governor Wike’s development trajectory, which has made Port Harcourt the best city in Nigeria.
The member of the Federal House of Representatives, Ken Chikere, said the people of Port Harcourt Local Government Area are ready to deliver all PDP candidates in the upcoming election. The Chairman of the PDP in Rivers State, Ambassador Desmond Akawor, presented the party flag to the party candidates running for various positions in the area.
