Rivers Raises Alarm Over Attempt To Destabilise State

Bolaji Ogundele, Port Harcourt - 15.12.2007

Recent armed attacks on key elements of the Rivers State Government have been attributed to efforts by some known individuals who felt pushed out of power in the state, to create a sense of panic in the people.

This followed the abduction on Thursday evening, by unknown gunmen, of the Chairman of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), Professor Nimi Briggs, who is also the chairman of the state’s Economic Advisory Council.

In a press statement by the Director of Press Affairs to the governor, Mr. Ogbonna Nwuke, physical attacks on persons serving in the state government, including the assassination attempt on the Chief of Staff to the governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, were aimed at blackmailing government to surrender.

According to the statement, the perpetrators of these activities and their sponsors were aiming at creating a picture of insecurity about the state, threaten the psyche of the people and destabilise the government.

It also gave an idea of who the suspects behind the criminal activities might be, as it pointed at some evidences recovered during a recent security operation to the hideout of a criminal gang in the state.

The statement added, “At the time of issuing this statement, his whereabouts and the reason for the action was not yet known.

“However, a few days ago, men of the Joint Task Force operating in the state raided a gang’s hideout and several arms and uniforms, such as those reportedly used by these criminals who abducted Professor Briggs, were recovered.

“Rivers people know these criminals and their political sponsors.