From: Tony John, Port Harcourt
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Rivers State Chapter, has given kudos to Governor Nyesom Wike for his commitment in tackling insecurity in the state.
It has also debunked the allegation linking the governor to criminal activities that bedeviled the state in the past.
The party’s reaction came on the heels of an allegation made by Director-General of Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the State in the April 11, 2015 polls, Dr. Dakuku Peterside who accused the governor of dining with criminals while featuring in a radio programme.
Peterside had alleged that the governor destroyed all security apparatuses put in place by his predecessor for criminals to have their way.
He further stated that all the efforts of the former governor in the areas of agriculture, health and education had been destroyed by Wike.
In a swift reaction, the Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Mr. Samuel Nwanosike, described the allegations as baseless, adding that Wike has no business with criminals.
Nwanosike said that Wike had, upon resumption of office as governor, revitalized the security structure of the state, adding that killings and kidnappings in the state have been tackled.
He wondered why the DG of NIMASA would accuse Wike of not having the will to tackle insecurity, pointing out that the state had not witnessed killings or kidnappings for three months now.
He said “The PDP sees the allegation that the Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, does not have the capability to tackle insecurity as laughable and shocking.
“The governor is doing well in the security of the state. He bought several security items for the security agencies in the state to enable them do their work. Peterside does not live in Rivers State that is why he does not know what the governor is doing in the area of security.
“The amnesty programme of the governor is also a huge success. Those criminals that were armed by the last administration have been disarmed. Today we no more hear of bank robbery, killings and kidnappings.
Also, Nwanosike said Wike has impacted positively in the areas of health and education, adding that some schools in the state have been rebuilt.