According to a report by Symfoni TV, on Friday, March 6, 2026, the former minister of transportation and a prominent figure in the political landscape of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi, voiced deep-seated concerns regarding the deteriorating security situation within the region.
In a candid assessment of the current state of affairs, the former governor drew a sharp and troubling comparison between the types of insurgency witnessed in Northern Nigeria and the increasingly brazen nature of armed violence currently plaguing Rivers State.
Amaechi sought to dispel the common misconception that extreme insecurity is a phenomenon exclusive to the northern parts of the country, arguing instead that the brand of criminality manifesting in the south is becoming uniquely confrontational and dangerous.
While dissecting the anatomy of these security challenges, Amaechi pointed out a disturbing shift in the behaviour of criminals and armed groups operating within his home state.
He noted that unlike in many other areas where perpetrators might attempt to evade law enforcement, the elements currently active in Rivers State display a shocking lack of fear toward the state security apparatus.
He Said, “The difference between that of the north and here is that this one is false. You could see them carrying guns. They were not running away. They were confronting the police.”
underscoring the audacity of these individuals who now engage in direct combat with those sworn to protect the public.
To illustrate the gravity of the situation, he recounted a personal experience during a recent journey to Ubima, where he witnessed gunmen carrying out attacks with such openness and defiance that it suggested a complete breakdown of deterrence.
Beyond the immediate tactical challenges of policing, the former minister attributed the surge in violence to broader systemic failures by the present administration.
He argued that the government’s inability to effectively tackle the root causes of unrest, such as widespread poverty and the biting hunger affecting many households, has created a fertile ground for desperation and crime to flourish.
Amaechi further cautioned that the prevailing culture of impunity, where violent actors face few to no consequences for their actions, is fuelling a self-sustaining cycle of fear.
This atmosphere of lawlessness, he suggested, not only destabilises local communities but also erodes the people’s trust in the government’s capacity to maintain order.
Transitioning to the political sphere, the veteran politician discussed his involvement with the African Democratic Congress and the party’s strategic efforts to establish a more formidable presence in Rivers State.
He revealed that the party has officially launched a widespread membership registration drive, which has seen a significant number of citizens signing up of their own volition.
Amaechi expressed a strong belief that through organised mobilisation and a clear vision, the party can evolve into a potent political force capable of providing a viable alternative to the long-standing dominance of the All Progressives Congress and the People’s Democratic Party.
The former minister also took the opportunity to denounce what he described as orchestrated attempts by the ruling authorities to intimidate the electorate and suppress political opposition.
He characterised these tactics as desperate measures born out of panic, aimed at restricting the democratic freedom of citizens to choose their representatives without coercion.
Amaechi urged the residents of Rivers State to resist such intimidation by actively participating in the political process and supporting the growth of the ADC.
He emphasised that the collective strength of the people, expressed through high registration numbers and unity, remains the most effective tool for challenging corruption, addressing poor governance, and ultimately restoring security to the state.
He called upon the populace to join the movement, asserting that a stronger political platform is essential for confronting the multifaceted crises currently facing the region.See_More…