Peace will reign only when… — Wike
…Says Fubara invited anarchy to Rivers by disobeying court order
…As Rivers gets new CP amidst unrest
…Fubara vows to punish perpetrators
Former governor of Rivers State and Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Barr. Nyesom Wike has declared that peace will reign in Rivers state only when the Governor obeys the rule of law and the court order.
Speaking on Tuesday on the Channels TV Politics Today programme, Wike absolved himself of the ongoing crisis that is rocking the state noting that the only lasting solution is up to the state Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara.
According to the former Rivers governor, a situation whereby verdicts of the court are disregarded would lead to the invitation of anarchy.
“I was a governor, I have always obeyed the rule of law. You heard the governor say that our state is turning to a state of anarchy where people do not obey the rule of law.
“You must obey the judgement of the court. You must not take the law into your hands. The moment you don’t obey court judgement, you are inviting anarchy, you are inviting violence,” Wike said.
Speaking further, Wike alleged that Governor Fubara did not follow due process for the conduct of the Local government elections.
He accused Fubara of coming on national television to say he wouldn’t obey court judgement.
He also argued that the State high court had no locus standi to give a court order to parties not included in a court suit.
Wike condemned the arson attack on secretariats in Ikwerre, Emohua, and Eleme Local Government Areas on Monday after the conduct of the Local Government elections in Rivers State.
Responding to the Governor’s claim that his political opponents were behind the attack, Wike urged the Governor to refrain from setting up a panel of inquiry noting that it is a waste of state resources.
Wike urged the Governor to take swift action on those behind the attack on the secretariat since he claimed to know them.
He also denied engaging in anti-party activities by refusing to support Atiku Abubakar, the then PDP presidential candidate.
He defended his decision, saying it was taken for the sake of justice and fairness.
“For the presidential election, I said I am going to support equity, fairness and justice. In the other one, I am going to support my party and that is why we won the governor, National Assembly election,” Wike said.
“For presidential, I have no apologies because I don’t believe in injustice. Today people say ‘discipline Wike, he did anti-party.’ I did not do anti-party,” Wike said.
Meanwhile, the Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, has vowed to ensure that those responsible for the recent arson attacks on local government secretariats in the state will face justice.
The secretariats in Ikwerre, Emohua, and Eleme Local Government Areas recently came under attack by suspected political thugs.
He made this known while swearing in four new commissioners at the Government House in Port Harcourt on Tuesday.
Fubara made known his administration’s willingness to collaborate with the Nigerian Police Force and the Department of State Services to identify and prosecute the perpetrators.
“Those behind these attacks will account for their atrocities,” he said.
His remarks come days after he alerted the public about intelligence reports indicating a plot by certain individuals to prevent newly elected council chairmen from assuming office.
Fubara expressed his administration’s determination to collaborate with the Nigerian Police Force and the Department of State Services to identify and prosecute the perpetrators.
“We won’t stand by and watch political thugs wreak havoc in Rivers State.”
The Governor’s remarks come days after he alerted the public about intelligence reports indicating a plot by certain individuals to prevent newly elected council chairmen from assuming office.
He noted that the recent arson was a direct manifestation of these threats.
“I said it before it happened. Those behind this are unhappy and have gone to extreme lengths to sow discord among our people.
“But we won’t allow this to go unpunished. We will work with security agencies to uncover those responsible and ensure they face justice,” he noted.
Fubara also commended the people of Rivers State for their patience and calm in the face of the attacks, despite the anger the incidents have caused.
He urged the public not to resort to violence, stressing the importance of maintaining peace and unity.
“As your leader, I assure you I will not mislead you. We must remain peaceful, even though we are angry. Meeting violence with violence will only make us the greatest losers,” he cautioned.
In the same vein, the Rivers State Command of the Nigerian Police on Tuesday received the 46th Commissioner of Police, Mustapha Mohammed Bala in the State.
Addressing journalists in his maiden media parley, the CP said the priority of his administration is security of lives and property.
Bala took over from CP Olatunji Disu who has been redeployed to FCT.
He lauded the media for their effective reportage of the activities of the Command, describing them as key partners to the successful policing of the state.
He said the pockets of violence and arson at the local government areas of the State shall be quickly tamed in collaboration with community leaders and other stakeholders.
“My priority task is to swiftly restore calm in the respective Local Government Areas where pockets of violence and arson attacks have been present, and my commitment is to work collaboratively with the state and non -state actors, as well as all critical stakeholders to address these challenges headlong,” the CP said.
He said the Command under his watch will collaborate with other security agencies to dismantle the criminal networks of existing gangs in the State,noting that no security agency can operate in isolation.
The CP urged the media to sustain the tempo, stressing that it is important for them to be objective and responsible while performing their duties. He assured that his leadership will be open to constructive criticism,noting that transparency and accountability will be his watchword.
Throwing more light on his administration, the new CP said his core strategies will be planked on intelligence, community policing and professionalism.
Bala cautioned that corruption, abuse of power, and misconduct will not be tolerated.
He assured that cultism, violent crimes and youth restiveness will be tackled headlong.
The CP thanked the Inspector General of Police (IGP),Kayode Egbetokun for the confidence reposed in him that necessitated his posting to Rivers State, which he described as one of the economic hubs of the nation.
The CP had earlier inspected guard of honour mounted by officers of the Rivers State Command to usher him into the State.
