Why we’re demolishing shanties – Wike

GOVERNOR Nyesom Wike of Rivers State has said the ongoing demolition of criminal hideouts in the state is aimed at improving security of lives and properties and not to displace residents of the affected shanties.
The explanation by the governor was apparently coming on the heels of protest, last week, by some residents who said the seven-day eviction notice given to them by the government was too short for them to get alternative accommodations.
Wike however stated that no government would fold its arms while criminals terrorise residents from known hideouts, adding that his administration would always take the necessary legal steps to sustain and improve the relative peace being enjoyed in the state.
He gave the explanation when he received the management of the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH) at the Government House, Port Harcourt, on Thursday.
“Our security measures are not targeted at any group. But we are interested in the security of lives and property, which remains paramount.
“No right thinking government will fold its hands and allow criminals to torment residents and drive away investors,” he said.
The governor also said the government was ensuring that the human rights of Rivers people were not violated, but noted that the security of the vast majority must be paramount.
He assured the management of UPTH that his administration would support it in the quest to deliver quality healthcare services to the people of the state.
He directed the Ministry of Works and Housing to liaise with the teaching hospital to work towards the rehabilitation of its access roads and the quarters in the health facility.
Earlier, Chief Medical Director of UPTH, Professor Aaron Ojule, said the hospital, as the foremost tertiary health institution in the state, had been working hard to deploy her skills-set in tackling the health challenges in the state.
“This visit is to consolidate with your administration those areas of mutual cooperation with regards to healthcare delivery, while exploring those that offer new opportunities and prospects for improved healthcare delivery for the good people of Rivers State,” he added.