Rivers State Governor, Barrister Nyesom Wike has addressed allegations of genocide against Igbos residing in Oyigbo Local Government Area of the state.
The Governor in an Instagram live interview with Dele Momodu on Friday stated clearly that he did not send the military or any other security outfit to the local government.
He said “Why would I Kill Igbos? If I do that it will affect the economy of my state. However, I will not watch some group of persons under the guise of IPOB create unrest”.
Wike said the allegations of genocide were political and blind to the real issues on ground. He also emphasised that the local government is spelt and pronounced ‘Oyigbo’ and not ‘Obigbo’.
The governor further stated that Rivers State is a multi-ethnic state which comprises of Ikwerre, Kalabari, Etche, Ekpeye, Ogoni, Ndoni and others. “The fact that some Igbos are predominant in an area does not make it an Igbo or an eastern state” Wike said.
Governor Wike also said that he never pegged any bounty on any member of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB. He, however, clarified that the arsonists who destroyed the properties of a chief of an Onne community begged for mercy and were handed over to the police.
Wike repeatedly assured that he will stop at nothing to ensure the safety of residents of Rivers State.
