Wike fumes over Gov Okorocha’s amnesty to Don Waney’s allies, says pardon not for Rivers

Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike has frowned over the amnesty his Imo State counterpart, Rochas Okorocha, granted to cultists who killed no less than 23 persons in Omoku, Rivers State, saying that the pardon did not cover Rivers.

Governor Okorocha had on Monday granted amnesty to cultists in Imo State, including those said to be allies of Don Waney, the late notorious gang leader, who along with his members carried out the January 1 attack in Omoku that left 23 dead.

While Don Waney and his brother have been killed by security operatives, Wike had pledged to give N20 million to anybody with useful information on how to apprehend the remaining gang members.

Not happy with the news of Okorocha granting members of the gang amnesty, Wike vowed that the cultits must be brought to book.

He stated this on Tuesday during a Bill signing ceremony at the Government House, Port Harcourt, adding that the N20million placed on their heads still stands.

He said, “Just yesterday (Monday), the Governor of Imo State granted amnesty to the cultists we declared wanted. These are cultists of the Don Wanny gang who killed 23 persons on New Year Day. These are cultists who have been killing security agents. That amnesty offered by Governor Okorocha cannot cover Rivers State. These criminal cultists are still wanted for their crimes against Rivers State and her people”.

Wike further expressed sadness over Okorocha’s action and cautioned against “playing politics with the security of lives and property.”

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He added, “Before Governor Rochas Okorocha granted amnesty to those who killed our people, he did not deem it fit to call me. They should always weigh the implications of these actions to the security of the region. Whether you are in PDP or APC, there is no need to politicise security.”

Wike concluded that despite clear political sabotage against the security infrastructure of Rivers, that his administration will continue to work towards improved security in the state.

 

 

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