Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has issued a stern warning to outgoing local government chairmen, cautioning them against harming any residents.
Fubara emphasized that any chairman who causes harm to well-meaning Rivers people will face unforgiving consequences.
The governor delivered this warning on Thursday in Egbeda community during the official flag-off ceremony for the Elele-Egbeda-Omoku Road project in Emohua Local Government Area. This caution followed an incident on Tuesday where miscreants attacked attendees of the Aleto-Ogale-Ebubu-Eteo Road project inauguration on their way home.
Fubara condemned the act of violence, labeling it unnecessary and wicked. He urged council chairmen to conduct themselves peacefully, stating, “Nobody has the monopoly of violence. I should be the one to come out and shout, but I won’t because both sides belong to me. I have taken an oath to protect all.”
He continued, “You have a few days left in office. Conduct yourselves peacefully. Politics will come and go, but we must live our lives. If you deliberately hurt anyone out of misplaced loyalty, you will be held accountable. We need to maintain peace and order in our state.”
The governor reiterated his commitment to peace, aligning with the promise made to the President of Nigeria. “We will continue on the path of peace. This doesn’t mean we won’t defend ourselves lawfully. We must protect ourselves without resorting to violence,” he concluded.