Bullet Proof SUV: Ibim Semenitari Replies WIke, You Made Away With Everything You Had When You Were The COS

The former Information Commissioner of Rivers State, Mrs Ibim
Semenitari whom State security officials forcefully took away her Lexus
bullet proof SUV has released a press statement concerning today’s invasion of
her home. Below is what she said. Also read what Governor Wike had earlier sent out immediately after her release. So much drama.

“On Thursday June 18, 2015, over 10 policemen armed with
machine guns and in two trucks – one Ford Transit and one Hilux arrived my
residence, No 12 A Ernest Ikoli Street, Old G.R.A Port Harcourt. Without either
a search warrant, letter or precious information, they forced their way into my
premises.

My security guard on duty requested to know their mission
and who sent them. They refused to disclose either, but went round taking
photographs and videoing my premises.2

The security guard got in touch with my assistant who spoke
with the men, explaining to them that I was out of town and again requested to
know their mission and purpose.

Again they declined insisting on seeing me first. She then
got in touch with me by phone as we were uncertain as to the identity of the
policemen in question.

Upon further investigation and after about 3 hours of them
laying siege on my premise, I was told that they were from Rivers State
Government House and had been sent to recover vehicles in my possession.

They attempted to break into a Range Rover Jeep belonging to
my Husband and bought long before I was made Commissioner in Rivers State
Government, damaging the front door. The vehicle in question contrary to the
lies being paraded is not an armoured vehicle and has never at any point
belonged to the Rivers State Government nor its agents including myself as
Commissioner of Information.

By the time I finally made contact with them and expressed
my displeasure, they insisted that they would take away a Lexus jeep duly
allocated to me as Commissioner of Information and which by law I am entitled
to leave with upon leaving office.

The monetization policy of the government allows public
officers to leave government with their official vehicles as this is in lieu of
vehicle, allowance, transport and other allowances, which they cannot draw
because of the monetization policy of 2002.

Mr. Nyesom Wike served as Chief of Staff, and upon departure
left with all the vehicles he used as Chief of Staff. This has been the practice
since this democratic dispensation when President Olusegun Obassanjo instituted
the monetisation policy.

Having served as Commissioner for two tenures, I amentitled
to my status cars and have proof of allocation.

While I understand that Mr. Wike feels a dire need to
destroy the reputation of Governor Amaechi and all those worked with him, it is
unacceptable that he will engage in brigandage, thuggery and underhand tactics
to do so.1

A simple letter from any government official requesting me
to make a submission or tender documentation would have been the appropriate
way to go and I would have willingly tendered all the relevant documents to
them.

Breaking into my home, invading my privacy, damaging my
property and removing property from my premises is inappropriate and illegal.

I have chosen however to put out these details in the public
space as it is apparent that for some persons only a destruction of my hard
earned reputation would do and this I would not accept. My records in the
Ministry of Information are crystal clear I hope that Mr. Nyesom Wike is able
to say same about his tenure in every office he has held.

Forcing their home into my home unlawfully isn’t the
appropriate way for any government that claims legitimacy to behave.

Ibim Semenitari

June 18, 2015”

Below is the earlier press statement released by Governor Wike;

 “In furtherance of
efforts by the Rivers State Government to recover government property from
officials of the immediate past administration in the state, security agents
and government house officials on Thursday took possession of government
vehicle from the home of the former spokesperson for the Amaechi
administration, Mrs Ibim Semenitari.

The security operatives carried out the operation at the
home of Mrs Semenitari located at Ernest Ikoli Street, Old GRA Port Harcourt.
The operatives recovered a Lexus Armoured Vehicle from the residence. Another
Range Rover vehicle is said to have been in the possession of the former
Information Commissioner.

It will be recalled that top officials of the outgone Rotimi
Amaechi administration carted away several government property and vehicles
prior to May 29. Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has since assured the people of
Rivers State that all government property illegally carted away before his
inauguration will be recovered and those found to be involved in the illegal
act will be brought to justice.

Simeon Nwakaudu,

June 18, 2015.

Government House, Port Harcourt.