Eric Olusesan/Port Harcourt
Tonye Cole, the Governorship candidate of All Progressives Congress APC, Rivers State has called for the unconditional release of Okey Wali, Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, and former President of Nigerian Bar Association, NBA.
Cole who condemned the kidnap lamented that the sad news of the kidnap of Wali, SAN, a former Commissioner for Justice / Attorney General of Rivers State and the 26th President of the Nigerian Bar Association, after his convoy was attacked along East-West Road, Port Harcourt has exposed the level of insecurity in the state.
He called on the Inspector General of Police, Alkali Baba Ahmed, Director General, Department of State Security, Commissioner of Police and the State Director of Department of State Security to ensure safe release of the former NBA President.”
Cole said Wali, SAN has served his community, Nigeria and the world in various capacities and has contributed immensely to the growth of the legal practice in Rivers State and Nigeria.
He said “Wali, SAN is a well respected philanthropist who has spent his personal resources for the development of his community, Akpor Kingdom and Obio Akpor Local Government Area.
“I plead with the abductors to not harm Mr. Wali, and passionately appeal that he is released to his family”.
He assured his family of his unwavering support through these trying times even as he joins others in praying for his safe return.
Cole also commiserated deeply with the families of those who lost their lives during this sad incident.
He further said that: “the despicable event is a sad reminder of the sorry state of the security system in Rivers State”.
Cole restatad that we owe ourselves a duty as a people to shun all forms of violence, brigandage and criminal activities regardless of the circumstances.
Our Correspondent recalls that the Legal luminary was also kidnapped in October 2014.
Meanwhile, the CP Effiong Okon Commissioner of Police Rivers State Command assured that officers and men have been deployed for Wali’s safe release.