Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Host Communities, Rt. Hon. Dumnamene Robinson Dekor, has condemned what he described as a sustained smear campaign against the Executive Chairman of Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State, Chief Hon. Thomas Bariere, PhD, warning that those behind the alleged misinformation could face legal consequences.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, Dekor dismissed reports alleging a worsening security situation in Khana as false, malicious and politically motivated, insisting that the local government has witnessed significant improvements in peace and security under Bariere’s administration.

The lawmaker, who represents Khana/Gokana Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, accused unnamed individuals of deliberately spreading fabricated stories to tarnish the image of the council chairman and create unnecessary fear among residents.

According to him, the campaign was aimed at undermining the gains recorded by the present administration in restoring law and order across the local government.

He said before Bariere assumed office, several communities in Khana faced serious security challenges that affected social and economic activities, but noted that the situation had improved through collaboration with security agencies, community leaders and other stakeholders.

“The facts are clear and known to every fair-minded resident of Khana. Through purposeful leadership, strategic collaboration with security agencies, sustained stakeholder engagement and an unwavering commitment to the welfare of the people, Chief Hon. Thomas Bariere has restored public confidence, strengthened security and fostered enduring peace across the local government,” Dekor stated.

He further alleged that those behind the campaign were individuals whose interests had been threatened by the administration’s efforts to combat cultism, gangsterism, kidnapping and other violent crimes.

According to him, the chairman’s determination to rid Khana of criminal elements has earned the support of law-abiding residents while provoking opposition from those who benefit from insecurity and lawlessness.

Dekor said he could not remain silent while what he described as desperate elements sought to drag the image of Khana into disrepute through false narratives.

He warned those responsible for sponsoring or circulating fake reports to desist immediately, stressing that while freedom of expression is protected under the law, it does not extend to defamation, malicious publication of false information or actions capable of disturbing public peace.

The lawmaker disclosed that anyone found, after investigation, to have sponsored, financed, coordinated or deliberately disseminated false publications intended to incite the public or damage reputations would be reported to the appropriate security and law enforcement agencies.

He added that where investigations establish the commission of any offence, the full weight of the law would be applied through due process.
Dekor said relevant laws relating to cyberstalking, cyberbullying, defamation, malicious publication of false information, incitement and conspiracy would be invoked where necessary to ensure accountability.

Calling on residents to remain calm and vigilant, he urged them to disregard what he described as concocted stories intended to sow fear and discord and to continue supporting the Bariere administration as it consolidates gains in security, governance and grassroots development.

“No amount of propaganda, falsehood or sponsored blackmail can erase the visible progress that the people of Khana are witnessing today. Facts remain sacred, and history will always distinguish genuine service from desperate propaganda,” he said.

Dekor reaffirmed his commitment to defending the interests of Khana and maintaining peace in the area, urging residents to place the collective interest of the community above partisan or personal considerations.