Rivers State Governor , Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has stated that the general acceptance of the state government’s amnesty programme has led to improved peace and security in the state .
He stated that in no distant time, the State Government will start the replacement of retired civil servants as a means of employing youths into the state civil service .
Speaking at the Government House , Port Harcourt on Tuesday when he granted audience to the Chiefs and Leaders of Ogbum-na-Abali , Governor Wike urged other cultists and kidnappers to embrace the amnesty programme .
He said: “We thank God that the Amnesty Programme introduced by this administration is paying off. Several criminals across the state have laid down their arms.
“”As you can see, peace is returning to several communities across the state . I want to encourage more criminals to lay down their arms”.
He commended the leaders and people of the Ogbum-na-Abali community for their peaceful disposition , pointing out that their support for the state government will always be rewarded with projects and programmes .
He assured them that the land reclamation project around the Ogbum-na-Abali and Nkpogu communities will be beneficial to the development of the area. He directed the Attorney-General of the state and the Special Adviser on Lands to liaise with the community leaders to establish areas of cooperation for the project .
The governor informed that the reconstruction of Ogbum-na-Abali internal
roads will be expanded to give the entire area the required face lift as the closest neighbours to the seat of power in the state.
He said : “I hold this office in trust for the people of the state . I will always promote the interest of the people”.
The governor noted that during the replacement of retired civil servants , all sections of the state will be duly accomodated by his administration .
Chairman of the Chiefs and Leaders of Ogbum-na-Abali Community , Chief Theophilus Ohwonda in an address read on his behalf by Chief Elvis Ogbams commended Governor Wike for the reconstruction of Ogbum-na-Abali internal roads .
He appealed to the governor to consider the area in the ongoing land reclamation of the area.
