Federal Otokito’s paramount ruler, Chief A.C.T Wongo, sacked by Governor Diri
By Emma Ogbuehi
Mr. Federal Otokito, Bayelsa State Commissioner for Trade and Investment, kidnapped Thursday night, has been set free.
His abductors released him on Monday five days after he was kidnapped from his Otuokpoti community residence in Ogbia Local Government Area.
The Bayelsa Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ben Nebolisa, and the State Director of the Department of State Services, Mr. Mohammed Abdullahi, presented Federal Otokito to Governor Douye Diri on Monday evening at Government House, Yenagoa.
Addressing Government House correspondents after his release, Diri announced the deposition of the Otuokpoti community paramount ruler, Chief A.C.T Wongo, and appointed Chief Rescue Abe in acting capacity.
The Governor also announced the sacking of the community’s development committee chairman, Azibalua Amon, and replaced him with Jerry Offor in acting capacity while the youth president, Emolem Igue, was also removed and replaced with Shedrach Afiemo.
Though the governor did not say why they were sacked, it is being alleged that they have a hand in the abduction of Federal Otokito.
A statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Daniel Alabrah, quoted the Governor as reiterating the state government’s zero tolerance for crime and kidnapping.
READ ALSO: Otokito, Bayelsa Commissioner for Trade, abducted
Diri warned all those who see kidnapping as a business to desist as his government would not hesitate to invoke the extant laws and make the State uncomfortable for criminal elements.
He called on all community leaders to remain vigilant and ensure that peace prevailed in their communities as government would not hesitate to sanction anyone found wanting in the discharge of their duties.
Diri, who said preliminary investigation revealed that illegal refining of crude was connected to the kidnap of Federal Otokito, warned all those involved in such business in the State to stop forthwith.
He thanked security agencies and all those who availed the government of useful information that led to the release of the commissioner.
He assured the people that his government would continue to make Bayelsa safe for all residents.
Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ben Nebolisa, declared Joshua Abi, Clergy Mabinton, Gift Tebeda and Azin Azin wanted in connection with the kidnap.
The rescued Federal Otokito thanked Governor Diri, his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, and all those who worked for his release.
He also ruled out the payment of ransom for his release.
