The Executive Chairman of the Obio/Akpor Local Government Area in Rivers State, Hon. Chijioke Ihunwo, has alleged that Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has submitted a petition against him to the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.
Ihunwo claims that the petition pertains to the disbandment of OSPAC, a local vigilante group within the council. This accusation was made during a meeting in his office on Thursday with the Happy Hour Committee of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Rivers State Council.
He noted that this marks the second petition submitted against him by the FCT Minister in just one week. The first petition, according to Ihunwo, was directed to the Directorate of State Services (DSS) over allegations that he bribed judges.
Ihunwo clarified that the decision to disband OSPAC was a collective choice made by the security council of the Local Government Area (LGA). He emphasized the importance of having a security outfit that is accountable to the residents of the various communities.
“Wike has petitioned me to the Inspector General of Police regarding the disbandment of OSPAC, claiming that I want to create another security outfit to disrupt the LGA. I will respond to the petition because I am doing what is right; I annoyt b afraid or shy away from fulfilling my duties,” he stated.
“For the record, I want to make it clear that within the disbanded OSPAC, there were individuals who terrorized innocent people. We aim to identify and address these issues to ensure security in the communities. How can someone say that I should not take action? Perhaps he has forgotten that I am the chief security officer of this LGA.”
“I want to remind everyone that Rivers State belongs to all of us, especially to those of you who live and do business here, so we must protect our state. Some of you report stories that are not true and tarnish the state’s reputation. Therefore, I am you to stop promoting narratives that damage Rivers State.”
“On the contrary, we should highlight that it is a peaceful state under the leadership of His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara. I would like to add that Rivers State has never been this peaceful, even in the face of numerous provocations by those who wish to harm our dear state.”
During the meeting, Dr. Ijeoma Tubosia, Chairman of the Happy Hour Committee of NUJ Rivers State Council, solicited support from the council to organize the December edition of the NUJ Happy Hour Week.
