Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has issued a stern warning to outgoing local government chairmen in the state, cautioning them against harming any resident of the state. Governor Fubara emphasized that any local government chairman who inflicts harm on any well-meaning Rivers person will not be forgiven.
The governor issued this warning on Thursday during the official flag-off ceremony for the Elele-Egbeda-Omoku Road project at Egbeda community in Emohua Local Government Area of the state.
Governor Fubara recounted an incident that occurred on Tuesday, where miscreants attacked some individuals who had attended the inauguration of the Aleto-Ogale-Ebubu-Eteo Road project, on their way home. He described such acts of animosity towards residents of the state as unnecessary and wicked.
Addressing the outgoing council chairmen, Governor Fubara urged them to conduct themselves peacefully, especially as their tenure comes to an end.
He stated: “Let me also say this here. When we left Aleto the other day, some people went there and attacked our people. There is no need for that. Nobody has the monopoly of violence. I should even be the one who should come out and shout that I will do this and that. But I don’t need to do that because both sides belong to me. I have taken an oath to protect all. So, I am advising those people who call themselves local government chairmen: you have a few days in office. Please, conduct yourselves in a peaceful manner.”
The governor emphasized the need for peaceful conduct, asserting that political differences should not lead to violence. He urged the outgoing chairmen to endure until the end of their tenure and avoid actions that could cause trouble in the state.
“We have made our promise to our leader, who happens to be the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, that we will take the path of peace and that is the part we are taking. We will continue to take that path. Don’t mind what they say. Don’t mind what they do. Peace remains the path to take,” Governor Fubara reiterated.
He added, “While taking the path of that peace, it does not mean that we won’t defend ourselves, or let me describe it this way: we will not just be like a tree seeing someone coming to cut it down, and won’t do anything. No, no no. We need to also protect ourselves in a lawful manner.”
