Port Harcourt, Rivers State – The Rivers State Government has issued a statement clarifying its recent action of retrieving three official vehicles from the residence of the suspended Deputy Governor. The government asserts that the move was a standard procedure to safeguard public assets and expressed regret over the “deliberate misrepresentation” and politicisation of the event.
In a statement signed by Hector Igbikiowubo, the Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Sole Administrator, the government questioned why the vehicles remained at the suspended Deputy Governor’s residence more than a month after her suspension. The statement emphasised that the retrieval of government property should not be misinterpreted as an overreach of executive power.
“The Rivers State Government has noted with dismay the deliberate misrepresentation of the lawful retrieval of two Toyota Hilux vehicles and one Hiace bus from the premises of the suspended Deputy Governor,” the statement read. “This routine administrative action, aimed at securing government property, has been twisted by political opportunists seeking to create unnecessary tension. We question the motives of those politicising this matter: What legitimate purpose did these vehicles serve in the suspended Deputy Governor’s premises over one month after the declaration of a state of emergency?”
The government maintained that its action was in line with prudent management of public resources and urged against sensationalizing the incident. “The Rivers State Government maintains that the recovery of its assets cannot reasonably be construed as executive overreach. This administration remains committed to prudent management of public resources and will not be distracted by baseless allegations,” the statement affirmed.
Furthermore, the government called on all parties to exercise restraint and avoid testing the administration’s resolve, highlighting its “remarkable patience in the face of persistent provocation.” The public was advised to disregard what the government termed “sensationalised accounts” and instead focus on the ongoing efforts to restore stability and good governance in Rivers State.
