Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that the state is peaceful and safe, despite ongoing security concerns and a police barricade on local government secretariats.
Fubara made the statement during a visit to Omuma Local Government Area, where two security operatives were recently killed in a political crisis. He inspected the progress of work on the 14.6 km Omodu-Eberi road project and was welcomed by excited residents.
The governor’s assurance contrasts with the perception of unrest formed by reports of protests and the police takeover of council secretariats. However, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has directed the continuation of the police barricade to prevent a breakdown of law and order.
The police occupation will continue until a court of competent jurisdiction delivers judgment on the local government crisis in Rivers State. Fubara’s government has been accused by the APC of being the “supreme architect” of the crisis, which has led to a standoff between the state government and the police.
Despite the tensions, Fubara has ordered an audit of local government accounts in Rivers State, aiming to address the ongoing crisis. The situation remains a subject of concern, with the governor’s assurances conflicting with the visible security measures in place.