Concerns were raised by Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, who revealed that there is credible intelligence indicating the recruitment of mercenaries and thugs from outside the state under the guise of a protest, with intentions to sabotage critical infrastructure in the region.
The Governor emphasized that the residents of Rivers have made a collective decision not to engage in the upcoming nationwide protest set to commence on August 1.
Fubara shared this information during a meeting with representatives from Civil Society Organizations, stakeholders from the National Association of Nigerian Students, ethnic and youth groups of Rivers State, and members of the Port Harcourt Motor Spare Parts Dealers Union at the Government House Banquet Hall in Port Harcourt on Wednesday.
This announcement was made via a statement released by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, and distributed to the press.
The Governor reiterated that various overt and covert activities of these supposed adversaries over recent months clearly demonstrate the existence of entrenched enemies determined to undermine the stability of Rivers State.
Governor Fubara remarked, “The political climate in our state is already precarious, with individuals actively seeking opportunities to disrupt the peace. We must not afford them the chance to execute such plans.
“That is why I, as the representative of the government, along with the security commanders, have consistently engaged with you all, urging for the shelving of this protest,” he added.
“Even in the event it proceeds, it must be carried out in a manner that prevents any escalation beyond control.
“I possess information that is not public knowledge. I am privy to the identities of those being brought in to instigate chaos within this state. Any unrest here will have grave consequences for us.
“Our assets will be damaged. Our economy will suffer. And once they are done, they will retreat to their home states.
“Just observe what transpired in Kenya. It will take decades to rebuild what was destroyed there.
“In Rivers State, we lack the financial resources to regress to a point we have already surpassed. Instead of progressing and enhancing our current status, we would be forced to focus on rebuilding if destruction occurs. Let us prevent this outcome.”
Fubara acknowledged the widespread economic challenges facing Nigerians but highlighted the proactive measures being taken by the Federal Government, under President Bola Tinubu, to alleviate the current hardships and secure a brighter future for the populace.
He appealed to activists to critically analyze the motives behind the proposed protest to avoid blindly embracing it solely to appease disgruntled individuals dissatisfied with the prevailing system.