Council Chairman lauds FG directives on insecurity in Rivers
*Wants security agencies to partner with State govt
Memoye Oghu, Port Harcourt
The executive chairman of Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State, Hon (Barr) Philip Okparaji has lauded the Federal Government over its directives to security agencies to curb the menace of cult gang wars that is currently threatening the peace in the state.
The council chairman however advised the security agencies to partner with the state government and other stakeholders in the state in implementing the presidential directives to curtail the ravaging gang wars and insecurity in the state.
Giving the commendation and advice in an exclusive chat with the Daily Times on Wednesday in his office at the council headquarters in Nchia, he ruled out the possibility of another amnesty to cultists in the state, either by the state or local government, pointing out that “these cultists are a bunch of criminals holding everybody to Ransome.”
According to him, he started the war against cultists in his LGA when he imposed a 12- hour curfew in Agbonchia parts of the council to fight these hoodlums. “Before we came on board,
we had some security challenges in Ebubu but today, by the special Grace of God, Ebubu is very calm today. That’s why we’re taking the fight to them in Agbonchia. And by the special Grace of God, Agbonchia will be calm soon. We’re not folding our hands.”
He commended the federal government for directing security agencies to stem the cultists rampage in the state but noted that they can’t do it alone. “The federal government directive is quite okay but they must work with the state government.
“There is no way the security agencies will not partner with the state government. There is no way the security agencies will enter Eleme and start arresting everybody without the stakeholders. It’s the stakeholders that will give information about the operations of these boys.”
The council boss who, last week imposed a 12- hour curfew in parts of his council to checkmate the activities of these hoodlums expressed satisfaction that his measures were yielding the desired results. “I think our measures are bearing fruits and the state governor is on top of the security situation in the state.
“Whatever measures we’ve taken is geared towards ensuring that there is peace, there is security in Eleme and Agbonchia. We declared curfew and banned keke in Agbonchia because of insecurity. I think the situation is under control there for now. We need to observe first before relaxation of the curfew.”
Recall that Rivers state has been engulfed in cult clashes recently that has claimed several lives and properties, leading to the federal government directing security agencies to arrest the situation immediately.
