Wike declares war on criminals

The Punch - Nigeria's Most Widely Read Newspaper

Ahead of his inauguration as the Chief Executive of Rivers State, the Governor-elect, Chief Nyesom Wike, has assured the people that his administration will declare war on criminals and restore security across the state.

Wike said the right environment would be created for the people of the state to engage in different businesses and also relax after work without fear of being molested by criminals.

The governor-elect, who gave this assurance during the pre-inauguration variety night in Port Harcourt on Wednesday, said  security was central to the development of any society.

He said, “We have had a wonderful variety night with the right dose of comedy, music and cultural displays. Earlier in the day, we were at the Sharks Stadium for a novelty football match.

“We need more of these recreational activities going forward. This can only be possible with adequate security. I want to use this opportunity to assure the good people of Rivers State that under the incoming administration, security of lives and property will be our watchword.”

Wike, however, disagreed with the outgoing governor, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi, that he (Wike) was involved in the killings recorded in the state during the general elections.

He described the allegation as malicious and merely concocted by the outgoing governor, adding that Amaechi was finding it difficult to accept the will of the people.

Wike explained that he obeyed all electoral guidelines during the 2015 general election as he had always done since he joined politics.

The governor-elect expressed regret that up until Wednesday, the outgoing governor and his associates were still shopping for an ‘illegal’ injunction to stop his inauguration.

He pointed out that the latest failure of Amaechi to get such an injunction was at a Federal High Court in Lagos, describing the development as an indication that the outgoing governor was not tired of impunity.

Also, the Chairman of the Nyesom Wike Inauguration Committee, Chief Austin Opara, said the variety night was organised by the committee for the people to relax ahead of the inauguration.

First class comedians, choral groups, musicians and the Rivers State cultural troupe entertained the guests at the occasion.