Police, SSS May Withdraw Amaechi’s Security Aides

There were indications in Abuja on Thursday that security aides attached to the Governor of Rivers State, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi, may be withdrawn.

A highly placed security source, who briefed reporters in Abuja, said there were plans to withdraw the security aides of the governor.

The source insisted that the alarm raised by the Speaker of Rivers House of Assembly, Mr. Dan Amachree, that the security aides attached to the governor would be asked to return to their bases, was true after all.

The Speaker had, in an open letter sent to President Goodluck Jonathan, further alleged that the situation in Rivers State had reached a crescendo.

He alleged the governor might as well be assassinated following a series of reported nocturnal meetings held in a neighbouring State and Abuja.

The speaker had said, “The situation is exacerbated with the planned release from detention, of 18 notable robbery and kidnap kingpins currently in custody to carry out this planned mayhem on the government officials and innocent citizens and residents of the state.”

The source said, “They have just withdrawn the security aides of the Speaker today (Thursday) and when he raised that alarm about the plan to do that, we thought it was not true.

“As I speak with you, there are plans to withdraw the security aides of the governor as well. That will be done soon.

“Those that will be affected include the policemen, soldiers and men of the State Security Service attached to the governor, who is also the Chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum.

“Unless those planning it have a change of heart, the withdrawal could take place as early as this weekend.”

But when contacted, the Deputy Force Public Relations Officer, Mr. Frank Mba, said he did not have information on the matter.

He said, “I have no such information. You may speak with the commissioner of police, Rivers.”

Reacting to the allegation by the speaker against him, the State Police Command said no policeman had been withdrawn from either the State House of Assembly or the Rivers Government House.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, Mrs. Angela Agabe, maintained that security operatives in the House of Assembly and the State Government House were intact.