Wike Declares Total War on Cultists

Ernest Chinwo in LPort Harcourt
Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, has declared a total war on cultists in the state, stating that they will be rooted out and prosecuted.

The governor also announced that the state government had acquired 4.1 hectares of land in the Government Reserved Area, GRA, to construct residential quarters for judges of the Rivers State Judiciary.

Presenting 57 official Honda Accord cars to the magistrates of the state Judiciary yesterday at the state High Court Complex, the governor said measures would be taken to fish out those responsible for cult-related violence in the state.

The governor noted that nobody will be allowed to stop the pace of projects delivery and state-wide development.

He said: “We have declared a total war on cultism. We will fish out those who sponsor cult related violence in some communities of the state.

“I have provided the required support and logistics to the security agencies to tackle these cultists. Nobody remotely involved will be spared. No cultist will go free.”
He said his administration would continue to invest in security for the protection of the residents of the state.

On the presentation of the cars to 57 magistrates, the governor explained that it was done to provide an enabling environment for the magistrates to dispense justice according to the law.
In her remarks, the state Chief Judge, Justice Adama Iyayi-Lamikanra commended Governor Wike for taking actions that will enhance the dispensation of justice despite the financial meltdown.

She urged the magistrates to reciprocate by putting in their best to serve the state.
The state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Emmanuel Aguma (SAN), said the presentation of vehicles is not a result of pressure on the governor, but the governor’s desire to improve the working conditions of magistrates.