BAYELSA COMMISSIONER KIDNAP: Gov. Diri Sacks Paramount Ruler, CDC, Youth Leader
3 min read
by Our Correspondent
The Bayelsa State Governor, Sen. Douye Diri, has sacked the community leadership of Otuokpoti in Ogbia Local Government Area of the state.
Those affected were the Obenema (Paramount Ruler) Chief Cousin Theophilus Wongo, the Community Development Committee (CDC) chairman, Azibalua Amon and the Youth President, Emolem Igwe.
The governor’s action came on the heels of the release of the kidnapped state Commissioner for Trade and Investment, Hon Federal Otokito who is from the community.
Gov. Diri, who made the announcement while addressing journalists at the Government House, Yenagoa, reiterated the state zero tolerance to crime and kidnapping.
He warned that those who see kidnapping as a business to desist, as according to him; “the government will not hesitate to invoke the extant laws and make the state uncomfortable for such criminal elements”.
The Bayelsa State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ben Nebolisa, and the State Director of the Department of Security Services, Mr. Mohammed Abdullahi, presented Mr. Otokito to Governor Douye Diri at Government House, Yenagoa.
In the place of the sacked Community leaders, the governor appointed Chief Rescue Abe as acting paramount ruler, Jerry Offor, acting CDC chairman and Shedrach Afiemo as the acting Youth President.
Governor Diri warned all those 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 criminal elements.
He called on all community leaders to remain vigilant and ensure that peace prevailed in their communities as government will not hesitate to sanction anyone found wanting in the discharge of their duties.
Governor Diri, who said preliminary investigation revealed that illegal refining of crude was connected to the kidnap, warned all those involved in such business in the state to stop forthwith.
The state’s helmsman 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.
His words: “I like to thank God that a member of the state exco who was kidnapped is now here with us.
“I like to also thank the security agencies and all other sources that helped in securing the release of the commissioner.
“Investigation is still ongoing. So we appeal to all in Otuokpoti to keep the peace and security agencies will keep an eagle eye on Otuokpoti and environs.
“Bayelsa will not condone crime and criminality. We have zero tolerance for crime. Let this be a warning to all those who have taken that as a way of life that Bayelsa is not a state for them.
“We have anti-kidnapping laws and they will be invoked at all times. As a government, we will do everything to ensure peace for people of the state.”
It will be recalled that the Bayelsa State Commissioner for Trade and Investment, Mr. Federal Otokito, who was kidnapped five days ago has regained his freedom.
He was kidnapped from his country home, Otuokpoti community in Ogbia Local Government Area of the state.
In his remarks, the rescued commissioner, Mr. Federal Otokito, thanked Governor Diri, his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, and all those who worked for his release.
