Bayelsa State government has stated the reasons behind the recent deposition of the paramount ruler of Otuokpoti community, Chief A. C. T. Wongo, and his replacement with Rescue Abe, in an acting capacity, in Ogbia Local Government Area of the state.
Governor Douye Diri, who made the announcement, on Monday, in Yenagoa, after the State Commissioner for Trade and Investment, Federal Otokito, regained freedom, said preliminary investigation revealed that the monarch was complicit in the commissioner’s kidnap.
The kidnappers had established telephone contact with Wongo to demand the release of the father of one of the kidnap gang leaders as a condition to free Mr Otokito.
According to the governor, investigations revealed that illegal refining of crude oil was not unconnected with the kidnap, and warned all those involved in such businesses in the state to stop forthwith.
A Community Development Committee Chairman, Azibalua Amon, was also replaced with Jerry Offor, in an acting capacity. The youth president, Emolem Igue, was also replaced with Shadrach Afiemo.
Diri warned people who see kidnapping as a business to desist as his government will not hesitate to invoke the extant laws and make the state uncomfortable for criminals.
He thanked security agencies and all those who availed the government of useful information that led to the release of the commissioner, assuring that his government will continue to make Bayelsa safe for all residents.
