By Our Correspondent.
Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, has said the state has obtained intelligence reports that some misguided politicians have started recruiting cultists, e,x-convicts, and thugs in furtherance of their political aspirations for 2023.
The governor said the state government is aware that owners of hotels and entertainment centers are in the process of giving out their premises to politicians and political parties as a convenient base for the gathering of these political thugs across the State.
Governor Wike, in a state broadcast on Sunday, emphasised that the state government is not taking intelligence reports at its disposal lightly, therefore will 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. to
“Accordingly, we have already alerted and set the security agencies on the trail,l 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.”
The governor warned that the state government will pull down hotels and other entertainment places that are linked with such criminal political activities.
“I wish to reiterate our unwavering commitment, to safeguarding the sanctity of lives and property throughout the State and to reassure everyone that we shall continue to spare no effort to keep Rivers State safe and secure.
“We urge residents to be vigilant while going about with their normal activities and promptly report any suspicious gatherings or movements in your vicinity to the attention of the security agencies for necessary action.”
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