Why I did not sleep as Rivers State Governor – Amaechi

Transport Minister, Rotimi Amaechi, has said that he stayed awake fighting insecurity while he was Governor of Rivers State, so the people could sleep.

This was contained in a statement released on Friday.

Amaechi, who governed Rivers from 2007 to 2015, said the residents of the state were living in fear when he resumed office.

“Don’t forget when I became the governor, the people were living in fear. There was curfew,” he said.

“I had to make sure that the curfew end. Killings, kidnappings and all forms of criminality were everywhere in the state.

“There was a heavy military presence and people were walking with their hands raised up. I took away the soldiers from the streets because I provided social and physical security.

“I stayed awake and fought insecurity to a standstill for Rivers people to sleep.

“I enhanced the wage bill of the Police Force by paying them allowances, and all that was to protect the citizens and I created opportunities for people to get employed.

“So, I confronted those insecurity challenges and brought back hope and sanity to the State. I worked tirelessly with the security agencies and ensured that people could move freely and do their businesses without fear or molestation.

“Businesses started springing up again in all parts of the State and people could go to night clubs and live free, peaceful lives.”