Rivers govt breaks silence on vehicle retrieval from suspended deputy gov’s residence

The Rivers State Government has clarified the circumstances surrounding the retrieval of official vehicles from the residence of suspended Deputy Governor, Professor Ngozi Odu, describing the move as a routine administrative procedure.

In a statement released by Hector Igbikiowubo, Senior Special Adviser on Media to the state’s sole administrator, the government confirmed that two Toyota Hilux pickups and one Hiace bus were recovered from Odu’s official residence. The action, according to the statement, was aimed at safeguarding government property and should not be interpreted as politically driven.

The state government also took a swipe at unnamed political actors, accusing them of deliberately twisting the incident to stir public sentiment and inflame political tensions.

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.