The Rivers State Government has addressed growing controversy surrounding the recovery of official vehicles from the home of the suspended Deputy Governor, Professor Ngozi Odu, insisting the action was routine and not politically motivated.
In a statement issued by Hector Igbikiowubo, Senior Special Adviser on Media to the sole administrator, the government confirmed that two Toyota Hilux vehicles and one Hiace bus were retrieved. The move, it said, was a standard administrative procedure to protect state assets.
The government condemned what it described as deliberate attempts by unnamed political actors to misrepresent the operation and fuel public unrest.
The statement read in part, “We question the motives of those politicising this matter. What legitimate purpose did these vehicles serve in the suspended deputy governor’s premises more than a month after the declaration of a state of emergency?”
The administration maintained that the operation was lawful and dismissed suggestions that it amounted to executive overreach.
It restated its commitment to the responsible management of public resources and advised against attempts to undermine its authority.
“We urge all parties to exercise restraint and refrain from testing the resolve of an administration that has demonstrated remarkable patience in the face of persistent provocation,” it said.
It also urged the public to ignore what it called “sensationalised accounts” of the incident, advising instead that attention be placed on its efforts to restore order in the state.
What you should know
The Rivers State Government has defended its decision to retrieve vehicles from suspended Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu’s residence, calling it a lawful step to secure public property. It dismissed claims of political intimidation and urged the public to ignore exaggerated narratives.
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