WE CAN NO LONGER GUARANTEE AMAECHI'S SAFETY - RIVERS GOVERNMENT

The Government of Rivers State is speaking out concerning the inherent attack on the Governor
of the State Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi and is calling on all stakeholder to ensure his protection.
In a recent press release signed by one George Feyii, The Secretary to the State
Government, it pointed out that on tuesday two policemen including an Inspector
Bawa came to the Governor's Lodge in Abuja claiming to have been posted there by
the Police Force Headquarters on a monitoring assignment. Similarly, four
intelligence officers had earlier been posted to Government House, Port Harcourt by the Rivers
State Police Command.
"We are aware that on issues of personal safety, an official reserves the right to pick the security
personnel to whom he or she may entrust their safety," the statement pointed out. "This is more
so in the case of a State Governor." It also noted that the policemen this morning declared they
had directives to remain at the gate of the Rivers State Governor's lodge.
The government pointed out that not only is the Rivers State Government uncertain of the true
identity of the policemen, officials are worried as to the true intent behind the latest postings.
"In recent times, events in Rivers State and especially around Governor Amaechi have been
suggestive of deliberate nonchalance at best, and complicity at worst in the security breaches
that have occurred," it observed. "This trend has continued despite a passionate appeal to the
highest levels of authority."
TEXT OF THE PRESS RELEASE BY RIVERS STATE GOVERNMENT
The Rivers State Government notes with distress what is now an apparent attack on the person
of Governor Chibuke Rotimi Amaechi. Yesterday two policemen, one of who is an Inspector
Bawa, reported to the Rivers State Governor's Lodge at Justice Mohammed Bello Street, Asokoro,
FCT Abuja. They claimed to have been posted by Nigeria Police Force Headquarters to monitor
the Rivers State Governor's Lodge. Earlier four intelligence officers had been posted to
Government House, Port Harcourt by the Rivers State Police Command. These postings were
done without any notification or reference to Governor Amaechi.
We are aware that on issues of personal safety, an official reserves the right to pick the security
personnel to whom he or she may entrust their safety. This is more so in the case of a State
Governor. The policemen this morning said that they had directives to remain at the gate of the
Rivers State Governor's lodge.
Not only is the Rivers State Government uncertain of the true identity of these gentlemen, we are
worried as to the true intent behind this latest posting. In recent times, events in Rivers State
and especially around Governor Amaechi have been suggestive of deliberate nonchalance at
best, and complicity at worst in the security breeches that have occurred. This trend has
continued despite a passionate appeal to the highest levels of authority.
We are worried that we can no longer guarantee the safety of Governor Chibuike Amaechi and
wish to reiterate our call on all relevant authorities to ensure the safety of Governor Amaechi and
the peace and security of everyone in Rivers State. Signed George Feyii Secretary to State
Government, Rivers State, Nigeria