Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara warned yesterday that oil production in the state will be threatened if there are any further acts of violence or attacks. This warning comes on the heels of a day when the state government constituted a seven-man judicial commission to investigate the arson committed by thugs on Monday, resulting in the destruction of four local government secretariats.
In a significant development, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, for the first time since Saturday’s election, responded to the political turmoil in the state, accusing Governor Fubara of being the main architect behind the recent crisis and violence.
Governor Fubara issued his warning against the backdrop of the recent arson incidents. He emphasized that his administration will not stand idly by while political thugs wreak havoc and commit arson in the state.
While swearing in five new commissioners appointed by his government in Port Harcourt, Fubara stated:
“As your leader, the one steering the ship, I assure you that I will not mislead anyone of you. I still stand on the path of peace. We have cases of arson in some local government areas. But I appreciate your calmness. I have always maintained that we are going to be the greatest losers if we meet them force-for-force. We need to approach this situation with peace.”
He urged residents not to respond to violence with violence, likening the situation to carrying a basket of precious eggs that must be handled with care and wisdom.
Fubara continued, highlighting the critical need for oil production:
“We are in a situation where the funds generated from oil production are not sufficient to tackle the challenges of Nigeria, and every hand has to be on deck to ensure an increase in production. Our focus, despite the distractions, will be on how to provide support. We need to work together to curb the issues of oil theft and pipeline vandalism.