Amaechi Suspends Demolition Of Waterfronts, Sustains Curfew
FROM KELVIN EBIRI, PORT HARCOURT

GOVERNOR Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi yesterday suspended the demolition of over 20 buildings along the waterfronts in Port Harcourt and its environs.
However, based on the advice of the State Security Council, which met yesterday morning, the governor upheld the current curfew imposed from the hours of 9pm to 6am in the city.
The administration of Celestine Omehia mooted proposed demolition of the structures in the wake of bloody clashes by cult groups in the Rivers State capital. But the proposal sparked off a row among interest group in the state.
In his inaugural address to the people of the state, Amaechi, who was sworn-in on Friday after a protracted legal battle, said the demolition due to commence in December would cause pain and discomfort; hence his decision that it be suspended.
The governor said he appreciated the pain imposed on the people because of the current curfew, and noted that the restrictions on personal movement and the impact on business were, indeed, regrettable.
But, "having carefully reviewed the situation and on the advice of the State Security Council, which met this morning (yesterday), I have directed that the current curfew remain in effect for the time being."
"As we speak to you now, cultists and criminal gangs are still operating in the state and some persons, including innocent children are still being held by kidnappers for ransom. These activities are evil, and unacceptable.
"We advise all those engaged in such to desist from it forthwith and release any hostages in their custody unconditionally and unharmed," Amaechi said.
He promised residents that his administration would do everything within its powers to return normalcy to the state and ensure the security of life and property.
The governor noted that the challenge before the people, is to prove to that they are, indeed, equipped the world with the ability to change the state for the better.
He said his administration would not be a continuation of any past administration because God has given it a great opportunity for a new beginning.
"We will review all existing programmes and policies and while we will continue with those that meet the genuine desires and expectations of our people, we will not hesitate to discontinue those that do not," he said.
"Rivers State aches for a change; change in governance and policies in some of our cultural values and attitudes."
Amaechi said the implication for government is a rebirth, which tailors it to the aspirations of the people.
The governor noted that government must not be for one section of the society, but for all, adding that social justice would be a cardinal framework for his government's reform agenda.
He said the Supreme Court verdict of last Thursday marks the success of a collective struggle to make right the travesty of justice that denied the people their mandate.
He observed that the incidence of flooding, traffic congestion, impassable roads and lack of potable water were an indication that the current state of infrastructure/social amenities was incapable of sustaining the population of the state.