Rivers State Not Part of Agitation for Secession, Says Governor Wike

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has declared that the state is not part of any agitation for secession in the country.

He, however, stated that unless Nigerians experience good governance at the federal level, agitations would continue across different parts of the country.

Wike stated this at the wekend at a special church service in Saint Mark’s Anglican Church, Rumuomasi, Port Harcourt, state capital, to mark the country’s 57th Independence anniversary.

He said: “In as much as you continue to have bad governance, people will continue to agitate across the country.

“We give God the glory that we are still one, despite the agitations and challenges. God has blessed this country.  We are not part of those who want to secede. Rivers State will never be part of that.”

The governor, however, pointed out that the country cannot continue with the current level of impunity and injustice, saying that it was time for the right thing to be done.

He said: “People must speak out that what is going on is not correct. Under this dispensation, votes no longer count. I have faith that we will come out of the present predicament.”

Wike explained that one of the reasons why politicians act irrationally is because they know that Police and INEC can manipulate results in their favour.

He called for better security and justice for all federating units to give all Nigerians a sense of belonging and de-escalate tension across the land.

He reiterated his call for the investigation of alleged criminal activities of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), which he said has become a notorious criminal gang.

In his sermon, Bishop of the Diocese of Evo, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Rt Rev Innocent Ordu, said Nigeria has developed despite her many challenges.

He urged Nigerians to respect the laws of the country, support constituted authorities and work for the growth of the country.

The Independence church service attracted top government officials, security agencies and traditional rulers.