Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers state of has alleged that a plot is afoot to impose a state of emergency on the state.
According to Wike who spoke through the state Commissioner for information, Paul Nsirim, his government uncovered plots by prominent politicians to make sure emergency rule was foisted on Rivers.
The Governor alleged further that the plan was attempted during the 2019 Governorship election but was foiled by the state government.
See Also: 1,000 People Killed In A Day As Tribal Groups Clash In South Sudan
He said the plot now is to create discord between the Rivers State Government and The Federal Government.
“As the build up for the 2023 elections and jostle for Presidential and Vice-Presidential tickets is gathering momentum, they want to use COVID-19 to create a crisis as if the State is at war with the Federal Government.
“They have decided to create unnecessary tension as if indigenes of Ahoada, Eleme and Port Harcourt are fighting with Northerners not to carry out their legitimate businesses.”
The information Commissioner said further that the state government has carried out its primary duty of protecting its citizens, despite opposition from certain politicians who have been feeling an imaginary crisis with Abuja.
He appealed to residents to support to state government in order to preserve peace.
He appealed to residents to support to state government in order to preserve peace.
“Throughout this COVID-19 pandemic, States like Enugu, Lagos, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Edo and Kaduna States have been intercepting lorries carrying human beings instead of foodstuffs,” the statement alleged further.
“This is the same thing that the Rivers State Government is doing to protect the State from COVID-19.
“Bandits have been killing innocent people in Sokoto, Katsina, Zamfara and Kaduna States and indigenes of these States, no matter their political differences, are working together to protect their States.
“But here in Rivers State, instead of supporting our efforts, these Abuja politicians are busy looking for a State of Emergency because they want to acquire power.
“We are alarmed at these hideous plots against our state. Rivers State has never fought a war with strangers or neighbours.
“Our fight against COVID-19 is to protect the lives of everyone living and doing business in the State. We are aware that some shameless politicians are playing politics with COVID-19.
“No wonder one of the respected chieftains of the All Progressives Congress (APC) had to expose their plan to use COVID-19 to launch into the politics of the State.
“This is what we see in the lives of ungodly, dangerous and power hungry people who claim to love the State.
“After their clandestine meetings they have voted huge sums of money to entice and recruit gullible persons to carry out their plan.
“As a state, we have always defeated these sadists, and with God on our side, we shall overcome them.” the statement concluded.