Wike Vows to Confront Rivers ‘Warmongers’ Allegedly Emboldened by Amaechi
Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike has criticised a youth group that threatened violence in the state while claiming to defend the political interests of Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi.
Wike alleged that members of the group were emboldened because they believed they had the backing of security agencies and the support of Amaechi.
The governor said he was concerned that security agencies had not publicly responded to the threats contained in a viral video, arguing that such statements could endanger peace in the state.
He questioned why those responsible had not been investigated or cautioned, particularly when the threats appeared to arise from internal political disagreements within the All Progressives Congress.
Wike also criticised Amaechi’s record as a former governor of Rivers State, accusing him of previously contributing to political tension in the state. He referred to the prolonged shutdown of the judiciary during Amaechi’s tenure and recalled what he described as aggressive political rhetoric during the 2019 election campaigns.
The governor further complained about what he considered interference by federal security agencies in Rivers State’s enforcement of COVID-19 regulations.
Wike argued that state governors were often described as chief security officers but lacked effective control over federal security agencies operating within their states.
He alleged that some senior security officials who cooperated with his administration in enforcing COVID-19 measures were later transferred, though the claim was presented as his account of events.
On reports of cult-related violence in Rivers, Wike rejected what he considered an unfair portrayal of the state.
He maintained that his administration had made significant efforts to combat cultism and argued that Rivers was comparatively more secure than some other parts of the country affected by banditry and other forms of violence.
Wike also welcomed the resolution of disagreements within the Peoples Democratic Party ahead of the Edo State governorship primary, particularly the avoidance of prolonged court cases.
Amaechi, however, distanced himself from the threatening statements made by the youth group and rejected violence by anyone claiming to support him.
The minister said political disagreements should be resolved through lawful and judicial processes rather than threats or physical confrontation.
“If you say you’re my supporter, you’ll know that I don’t just respect the law, I fear the law,” Amaechi said.
He urged anyone dissatisfied with a court decision or government action to pursue available legal remedies through the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court.
Amaechi stressed that frustration did not justify taking the law into one’s hands and appealed to all his supporters to remain calm and avoid violence.
The exchange highlighted the continuing political rivalry between Wike and Amaechi and the wider tensions within Rivers State politics.
