Adebayo Obajemu
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has commended the Nigerian Army for intensifying its fight against pipeline vandalism and illegal oil bunkering, saying the security operations are yielding positive results by boosting crude oil production and improving national revenue.Africans & Diaspora
Fubara made the remarks while receiving the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, who paid him a courtesy visit at the Government House, Port Harcourt, ahead of the 163rd Nigerian Army Day Celebration scheduled to hold in Rivers State.
The Army Chief was accompanied by the General Officer Commanding 6 Division, Major General Emmanuel Emekah, and other senior military officers.
Speaking during the visit, Fubara said the military’s sustained operations against oil theft and pipeline sabotage have significantly reduced disruptions to oil production.Geology
“In the face of everything, I can conveniently say that there are a lot of positive things that our state has recorded in terms of security,” the governor said.
He noted that the Army’s efforts in curbing pipeline vandalism and illegal bunkering had translated into increased crude oil production and higher revenue for the country.
According to him, the operations of the 6 Division Nigerian Army have also strengthened the security of lives and property across Rivers State.
Governor Fubara congratulated Shaibu on his appointment as Chief of Army Staff and expressed confidence that his tenure would deliver even greater improvements in national security.
“I’m commending you because within the short period that you’ve been appointed, I can conveniently say that there are a lot of positive things that our state has recorded in terms of security. I wish that your tenure will record a lot more positive improvements for the Nigerian Army,” he said.Africans & Diaspora
The governor also welcomed the decision to host this year’s Nigerian Army Day celebration in Rivers State, describing it as a vote of confidence in the state’s security situation.
“We are really happy that, in the face of everything, you chose Rivers State for this very wonderful celebration. This is significant for us. It speaks to two things: that Rivers State is peaceful and Rivers State is worth securing.”
Fubara pledged continued support for the Nigerian Army, assuring the military of the state’s cooperation in ensuring the success of its operations.
“You’re doing this work and every one of us is enjoying the positive effects. We owe you our support. We are not going to rest on our oars in ensuring that we do whatever we need to do to make you succeed,” he added.
Earlier, the Chief of Army Staff said he was in Rivers State to participate in activities marking the 163rd Anniversary of the Nigerian Army and thanked the state government for its support.
“I want to specifically thank you for the support you have rendered us, especially the infrastructure, the stadium that you have put at our disposal for hosting the event and other things that you have done at the Divisional Headquarters as part of your own contributions to ensure the success of the celebration,” Shaibu said.
The Army Chief explained that the anniversary would feature a week-long programme of activities, including civil-military engagements aimed at strengthening relationships between the Army and host communities.