Governor of Rivers State, 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, in a statewide broadcast on Sunday, said his administration would not condone violence on the start of campaigns ahead of the general election.
Wike, who emphasised that the state government is not taking intelligence reports at its disposal lightly, noted that the government will not hestitate to swing into action against anyone seeling to upset the prevailing peace and security in the state.
In a statement issued by the governor’s media aide, Kelvin Ebiri, on Sunday night, quoted Wike as saying, “We are not unaware of the intelligence report on some misguided politicians who have started the process of recruiting cultists, supporters and ex-convicts as thugs in furtherance of their political aspirations for 2023.
“We have also been informed that owners of hotels and entertainment centres are giving out their premises to politicians and political parties as a convenient base for the gathering of these political thugs across the State.
“I wish to emphasize that we are not taking these reports 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 Rivers State.
“Similarly, 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.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the State Government will pull down hotels and other entertainment places that are linked howsoever with such criminal political activities.
He further applauded security agencies in the state, for their efforts and dedication to keeping the State substantially safe and secure, reiterating the state government’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property in the state.
