Hours after the declaration of State of Emergency in Rivers State, the state has remained calm and peaceful, exactly the opposite of what obtained before the announcement of the suspension the executive and legislature.
This is contrary to the widespread fears from outside the State that Rivers would be overtaken by disturbances.
Also, some of the social media stories about blasts at NNPC facilities at Cawthone Channels in the Degema Local Government Area of the State have also been proved to be an old video of the fire incident that happened sometime in February.
Insider sources at the NNPCL Port Harcourt refinery in Eleme also dismissed the story that the place was engulfed in fire saying it was not true.
The source, who would not allow this name to be mentioned as he was in not authorized to speak on the matter said: “There’s no cause for alarm. It’s a normal production procedure. When too much liquid is released to the plant, it increases the flare and the fire service has to pump water to cool the flare column. The refinery is not on fire.”
As at the time of filing in this report, the Sole Administrator of the state, Vice Admiral Ibok Ette Ibas was yet to arrive in Rivers State to assume office, although he had been sworn in by President Bola Tinubu.
The city of Port Harcourt and various adjourning areas of the State capital have remained calm and peaceful, with people going about their normal businesses unperturbed but only discussing the developments.
After going around different local government areas of the state on Wednesday – today, March 19 – afternoon, there was also no evidence of unusual security beef-up, according to a Daily Sun correspondent in Port Harcourt.
Visit to parts Port Harcourt metropolis, Obio/Akpor and Emohua Local Government Areas did not show any military or unusual security deployments, either on the major roads or adjourning streets.
