We Have Proved To Nigerians That Rivers Is Peaceful – Wike

By ANAYO ONUKWUGHA

Rivers State Governor, Chief Ezebunwo Nyesom Wike has declared that the several national conferences and meetings held in Rivers State since May 29, 2015, when he was sworn in as governor, have proved that the stories of insecurity being peddled by the opposition in the state were mere propaganda meant to attract negative publicity.

The governor stated that his administration has since put in place basic measures to guarantee the safety of lives and property, hence the state has become a destination of choice once again.

Wike, who spoke on Tuesday night at Government House, Port Harcourt, when he hosted visiting Vice Chancellors from Nigerian Universities to a cocktail, expressed happiness that the visiting Vice Chancellors and other top officials of Nigerian Universities have stayed in the state for over three days and have since realized that the state is peaceful.

He said, “We have committed ourselves to hosting many national meetings and conferences since we took over the reins of governance. This we have done to prove that we have restored peace and stability to the state with businesses going on without hindrance.

“If you have you (the Vice Chancellors) have not come here for your 30th Annual Conference, you may be tempted to believe that Port Harcourt is an unsafe place.

“They created the impression that as you move around Port Harcourt you see corpses of people who have been killed by violence.  In the days you spent in Port Harcourt, you have noticed that it is a peaceful community which a rich night life.”

The governor said that his administration took very firm measures of reviving the Judiciary and the State Assembly as necessary steps to return the state to full pledged democracy,  noting that the people were already reaping the benefits in terms of the peace re-established in the state.

Wike assured that further steps are being taken to ensure that security agencies work on grey areas to further cement the advantage gained.

He advised those using false propaganda to create wrong impression about the security situation in Rivers State to desist as the elections were over and the time has come to concentrate on governance.

In his remarks, Chairman of Association of Vice Chancellors of Nigerian Universities, Prof Joseph Ajienka commended Wike for proactive steps being taken to improve the state, and praised him for his commitment to the growth of education at all levels.

Culled from www.leadership.ng