Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has pledged to bring those behind the recent arson attacks on local government secretariats to justice.
During the swearing-in of four new commissioners at the Government House in Port Harcourt, Fubara condemned the attacks, which targeted secretariats in Ikwerre, Emohua, and Eleme Local Government Areas, carried out by suspected political thugs.
Fubara emphasized his administration’s commitment to partnering with the Nigerian Police Force and the Department of State Services to track down and prosecute the offenders. “We won’t stand by and watch political thugs wreak havoc in Rivers State. Those behind these attacks will account for their atrocities,” he asserted.
The governor’s comments come in light of recent intelligence reports revealing plans by certain individuals to obstruct newly elected council chairmen from assuming their offices. He noted that the arson incidents are a direct result of these threats. “I warned that this could happen. Those responsible are unhappy and are resorting to extreme measures to create division among our people. But we will not let this go unpunished,” he added.
Fubara also praised the citizens of Rivers State for their patience and composure amidst the turmoil, urging them to refrain from violence. “As your leader, I assure you I will not mislead you. We must maintain peace, even when faced with anger. Responding to violence with more violence benefits no one,” he cautioned.
