Rivers slams security agents for alleged compromise at boundaries

Allegation that some security agencies were receiving bribes and allowing vehicles in and out of Rivers State through its various boundaries with other states has been criticised by the state government.

The state, which recorded a case of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) last week, described such security agencies as enemies of the state.

The Commissioner of Information and Communications, Paulinus Nsirimi, said government had received information from well-meaning individuals that some security agencies posted to the various boundaries of the state to enforce the restriction of movement were collecting bribes to compromise their duties.

Nsirimi explained that the state government had complained to the appropriate authorities, who, in turn, had commenced investigation into the matter.

“The security agencies are working on that information and anyone found to have compromised will face the wrath of the law because we are talking about lives.

“If government, in its wisdom, designs a policy to protect lives and somebody somewhere goes to circumvent it, it is really a challenge and that person is an enemy of the state. Security agencies are investigating those who are causing infraction,” he said.

The commissioner also denounced the activities of taskforce members who were harassing shop owners who opened for business in various parts of the state. He stated that government only ordered the closure of markets and not supermarkets and stores.

There had been reports that some task force members were cart away goods from shops in Port Harcourt and suburbs.

However, Senator Magnus Abe has advised government to allow people to go out to get food and medicine.