The Sports Manager, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, John Ladong on Tuesday, lamented the negative impression being created outside of Rivers State about the security situation in the state.
In an interview with our correspondent, Ladong said contrary to the high security alert being bandied in Abuja, about the situation in Rivers State before they left the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) for the 43rd Public Service Games, they have neither seen nor heard the exploding of bombs or grenades at any of the sporting centers in the state.
“Actually, many of us were scared because the picture that was painted about the security situation in Rivers here was very, very scary.
“But since our arrival. we have not seen nor heard of any bomb or grenades being detonated at any of the centers where the games are taking place. Rather, we are enjoying the hospitality of the wonderful people of Port Harcourt,” the sport manager stated.
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He said that he and other participants at the games have taken advantage of the peaceful environment in the state to explore some parts of Port Harcourt and environs, but in all, they did not experience any issue of conflict or crisis.
“There are no issues, either during the day or at night,” he confirmed, adding that his ministry is featuring in 12 games, including football, swimming, badminton, table tennis, scramble, chess and draught, among others.
Ladong who expressed gratitude to the Rivers State Government for hosting the 43rd edition of the games, also applauded the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, for supporting the contingent to sports meet.
