Wike explains why he called for state of emergency in Benue
Governor Nyesom Ezebunwo Wike of Rivers state has explained why he called for a state of emergency to be declared in Benue state, saying that the call has become necessary because the state Governor, Mr. Samuel Ortom, had lost control and lacked the capacity to stand up for his people in a spate of killings that plagued the state.
Addressing the University of Port Harcourt Governing Council at the Government House, Port Harcourt, during a courtesy visit on Thursday, Governor Wike also alleged that Ortom was in the league of APC governors who politicized insecurity in the country and plotted a state of emergency against Rivers State when the state had security challenges
Governor Wike said: “Benue Governor has lost control. That is why there is an immediate need to declare a state of emergency for the restoration of security and protection of the people. If you are from Benue State, I apologise. But when Rivers State had security challenges, Governor Ortom of Benue State was amongst the APC governors who plotted for the declaration of state of emergency in the state.
“When the problem of insecurity started here in Rivers State, instead of joining hands to proffer solutions, they politicised it. Unless all those at the fore front of the plot against the state repent, this insecurity will visit them one after the other,” he said.
He said that as a result of the politicisation of security by APC governors , insecurity has been exported to several parts of the country, adding that because he was in contact with the people of Rivers State, it was difficult to rig in the state. The governor said that those who plotted to rig in Rivers State, now understand the consequence.
Earlier in the week, Governor Nyesom Wike, following the recent shooting in a market in Zaki-Biam, Benue State, called for the imposition of a state emergency on the state.
Commenting on the University of Port Harcourt, during the meeting, Governor Wike urged the university management to remain apolitical. He said that the strained relationship between the Rivers State Government and the University of Port Harcourt was because of his advice that the institution should not be involved in the rigging of the rerun legislative elections.
He, however, said that the state would continue to support the university through the execution of projects.
The Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt and Emir of Gwandu, General Muhammadu Bashar (rtd) urged the governor to remain committed to the service of Rivers State and Nigeria.
He pleaded with the governor to forgive the university management. The Chancellor also called on the governor to thank God for surviving the harsh political climate .
Pro-Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt, Prof Mvendaga Jibo, appealed to Governor Wike to continue to support the university materially.
