By Abiola Olawale (The New Diplomat’s Southwest Bureau)
Governor Nyesom Wike has warned agitators calling for Biafra country to count Rivers State out of their plans, stating that the Niger Delta state will continue to be part of Nigeria.
Wike issued this warning when he hosted Lt. General Ibrahim Attahiru, Chief of Army Staff, who was on a courtesy visit to Government House, Port Harcourt on Tuesday.
Wike, who was reacting to declaration of Biafra De-facto Customary Government by Asari-Dokubo, a former Niger Delta militant, warned that Rivers will not support any call for secession.
Recall that Dokubo had announced the establishment of provincial structures of government in South-south and South-East territory for his self-styled ‘Biafra country.’ The declaration has attracted several comments from Niger Delta groups who described the inclusion of Niger Delta States as vexatious. Many Niger Delta groups have reacted stating that Niger Delta cannot be part of Biafra.
However, Wike warned that Rivers State is part and parcel of Nigeria and as such will not be part of any secession movement.
In his words, “All those who are talking about their independence, they can go anywhere, but not from here. We are not part of any secession. We will support the Army and other security agencies to make sure they reduce the level of crime and criminality in this State.”
Speaking, Lt. General Attahiru lauded Wike on his commitment to ensuring that there is peace and order in River State, adding that the Governor’s zero tolerance to separatist groups in the state is commendable.
The Chief of Army Staff also noted that he was in the state on an assessment tour of 6 Division of the Nigerian Army.
In his words, “I also thank you for your continued non tolerance approach against separatist groups and also your contribution in promoting peaceful coexistence among the various communities that lives in Rivers State.”
