Wike warns members of IPOB

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, says activities of theIndigenous Peoples of Biafra, IPOB, capable of disrupting the peace in the state is unacceptable.

Speaking during a state-wide broadcast on Friday, the governor said, “The Rivers State Government is seriously concerned with the recent activities of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB), particularly the attack on Nigerian citizens living in Rivers State.

“Rivers people fully subscribe to Nigeria’s corporate existence and its indivisibility. As a people, we shall continue to support the unity and peaceful co-existence of all ethnic nationalities and work towards actualizing our collective aspirations for a just, inclusive and progressive nation.

“Rivers State belongs to all those who live in it. We heartily welcome any Nigerian who wishes to reside here and go about his or her lawful businesses.

“Therefore, we shall not tolerate any attack by any group on other Nigerians living in Oyigbo or any other part of the state. We warn troublemakers, who are bent on causing violence on others to steer clear of Rivers territory.

“Nobody should take our hospitality and peaceful disposition for weakness as we are capable of dealing decisively with any situation that threatens peace and serenity in the state. We call on Rivers people to be vigilant and not to allow themselves to be used by anybody to foment trouble in our State.

“In as much as we may share common concerns about the structural problems of the country, we believe that dialogue and non-violence remain the best ways to resolve contending political issues.

“We therefore pray the Federal Government to initiate meaningful national dialogue to peacefully resolve the structural challenges that are threatening Nigeria’s stability and progress.

“In the same vein, we urge the security agencies to exercise maximum restraint and obey international rules of engagement and best practice while responding to provocative acts from ill-advised groups,’ he reiterated.