Tension has begun to rise in some quarters in Rivers State following the retrieval of some vehicles assigned to the suspended Rivers Deputy Governor, Prof. Ngozi Odu by the Rivers Administrator, Vice-Admiral lbok Ibas (retd).
The Democracy Watch Nigeria (DWN) on Wednesday raised the alarm and said the operation to recover the vehicles was carried out on April 25th by some naval personnel.
The Spokesperson of DWN, Vincent Wopara, while narrating the incident said: “The naval officers, acting on the direct instruction of the Sole Administrator, carried out the operation in a commando-style raid, taking away two Toyota Hilux vehicles and one Toyota Hiace Bus. The brazen action took place in the early hours of the day and has since sparked widespread condemnation across the state.
“This development marks a new low in the ongoing disregard for due process and democratic norms under the current administration.
“The action is viewed by many observers as a targeted provocation, intended to intimidate and humiliate the office of the Deputy Governor, which remains a constitutionally recognized institution.”
He called on Nigerians, civil society organizations, and the international community to note what he described as the growing trend of impunity in Rivers.
” It is imperative that those in positions of authority act within the bounds of the law and uphold the dignity of democratic institutions. The people of Rivers State deserve governance rooted in law, not in brute force.”
But the Rivers State Government said its action had been deliberately misrepresented by some persons insisting that the retrieval of the two Toyota Hilux vehicles and one Hiace bus from the premises of the suspended Deputy Governor was lawful.
A statement by the SSA Media, Hector Igbikiowubo described the action as routine saying it was aimed at securing government property and lamenting that it had been twisted by political opportunists seeking to create unnecessary tension.
The statement said: “We question the motives of those politicizing this matter: What legitimate purpose did these vehicles serve in the suspended Deputy Governor’s premises over one month after the declaration of a state of emergency?
“The Rivers State Government maintains that the recovery of its assets cannot reasonably be construed as executive overreach. This administration remains committed to prudent management of public resources and will not be distracted by baseless allegations.
“We urge all parties to exercise restraint and refrain from testing the resolve of an administration that has demonstrated remarkable patience in the face of persistent provocation.
“The public is advised to disregard sensationalized accounts of this incident and focus instead on the government’s ongoing efforts to restore stability and good governance in Rivers State”. (The Nation)
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