Insecurity: Rivers Not Bad As Painted, ICE Insists

Despite media propaganda and recent statistics released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), the Initiative for Credible Elections (ICE) says Rivers State is still not among the states with highest crime rate in the country, and therefore, secure for investors.
National Coordinator of ICE, Barrister Ledum Mitee gave the indication during an engagement forum organised by the body in Port Harcourt, last Wednesday.
Mitee submitted that, “the latest statistics released by the National Bureau of Statistics show that we do not fall within the first three States with the highest reported crime in the country”.
The former President of the Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People (MOSOP) noted that the state has enormous advantages to make it a prime investment destination, but pointed out that violence that has trailed elections over the years has taken the state aback.
He said the idea to establish ICE was borne out of the desire to reposition the state, and reduce electoral violence in order to create conducive environment for business and manpower development.
Mitee stressed that, “whilst there is little doubt that the violent elections we have experienced in our state can be linked directly to some of the insecurity situation witnessed after the elections, what may not be very obvious to many, is that violent elections in the state reinforces the perception of insecurity which scares away businesses”.
The current scenario, the former MOSOP leader explained is responsible for many job loss, and unemployment affecting the state.
Proffering ways out of the present situation, Mitee said all hands must be on deck, as there is need for grassroots mobilization and sensitization to break the cycle, adding that, “we aim to brace ourselves for sustained and concerted actions and activities with a view to building on and even complementing efforts undertaken in recent past by eminent citizens”.
He appealed to the citizenry to partner with the group to stem the tide of electoral violence, assuring that they are open to suggestions out of the current challenge.
Mitee also challenged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other political stakeholders, including security operatives to join the crusade to ensure credible elections, by checking on malpractices and other acts of corruption.

Kevin Nengia & Susan Serekara-Nwikhana