Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has pledged that his administration will deepen its partnership with the Nigerian Army to protect critical national assets and curb economic sabotage in the state.
The governor gave the assurance while receiving the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Everest Ifeanyi Okoro, who paid him a courtesy visit at Government House, Port Harcourt, on Tuesday.
The GOC was accompanied on the visit by senior military officers and other security personnel of the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt.
The Division has jurisdiction across Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta and Akwa Ibom states.
Welcoming the newly deployed GOC to Rivers State — the Treasure Base of the Nation — Governor Fubara noted that the partnership between the Rivers State Government and the Nigerian Army predates his administration and has been critical during challenging periods.
Governor Fubara assured the GOC that his case would not be different, as the government of the state would give him all the support required for him to succeed in his new assignment.
He stressed that the present security realities demand joint action to protect critical national assets, particularly oil and gas infrastructure, from vandals.
He clarified that the relationship goes beyond mere collaboration, stressing that it is a partnership.
Governor Fubara urged the GOC to prioritise the protection of Rivers, noting the strategic importance of the state to the economy of the nation.
He prayed for a successful tenure for the GOC and reaffirmed the state’s support for him and his troops in the various units and formations across the Niger Delta region.
In his remarks, the General Officer Commanding, 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Everest Ifeanyi Okoro, assured that the Division would sustain its efforts to protect lives, property and critical infrastructure in Rivers State.
The GOC noted that the relative peace in Rivers State is vital to both the state’s socio-economic growth and national development, stressing that emerging security threats such as pipeline vandalism, cult-based violence and other related crimes still required vigilance.
He stated that addressing these challenges would require sustained intelligence gathering and collaboration with all stakeholders, including the state government, traditional rulers and other community leaders.
Major General Okoro affirmed that the 6 Division would continue to align with the vision of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, by prioritising operational effectiveness and joint operations with other security agencies.
He expressed appreciation to Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the Rivers State Government, as well as the Rivers people, for their continued support for the Nigerian Army and other security agencies, and called for sustained partnership.
He pledged that under his command, the 6 Division would remain focused on its mandate of securing the state and enabling socio-economic development.
“Let me assure His Excellency, that under my command, the Division will remain dedicated to protecting lives and property, safeguarding critical national infrastructure and supporting the civil authority in creating the enabling environment for our people to thrive,” the GOC stated.
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