Governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State in the April election Dr. Dakuku Peterside, has commended troops of the Operation Pulo Shield (OPS) of the Nigerian Army in Port Harcourt and the Police for the capture of eight boats and 2.3 million litres of stolen diesel from an illegal oil refining site in the state.

Peterside, who particularly praised the officers and men for their gallantry, described their action as inspiring and an indication of more decisive steps ahead in the fight against illegal bunkering and other economic crimes against Nigeria.

He said in a statement issued yesterday in Port Hacourt by his Special Assistant (Media) Sylvester Asoya: “Security is very important because everything hinges on it. Progress and development is not only dependent but also measured by how secure the people are. Therefore we commend this latest onslaught on criminal elements in our state.

“I must state unequivocally that this offensive has rekindled faith in our people. It also re-enforces our belief in the fact that the huge security problem facing Rivers State is receiving the urgent attention it deserves.

“Like every Rivers person, I am incredibly worried over the rising wave of crime in our dear state, especially kidnapping and armed robbery. The economy of Rivers State is on the verge of collapse because of insecurity. Every day, we make headlines for all the wrong reasons, we are not happy about this. Unfortunately the current occupants of Government House PH are more interested in other things other than the security and safety of Rivers people. I am however not surprised as a government midwifed by morally bankrupt people cannot muster the will power and moral might to eradicate criminality as lions do not give birth to sheep.”

“As a people, it will amount to sheer foolhardiness if we say we do not need help. As a matter of fact, we need every attention and support to rid Rivers State of these strange happenings.

“I therefore wish to use this medium to call on the federal government to intervene urgently by treating Rivers State security with special concern because of its strategic economic importance.”

•Photo shows Peterside.

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