The Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtrd), has called for a strengthened partnership between security agencies, community stakeholders, and residents to tackle criminal activities, including sea piracy, illegal oil bunkering, and theft of fishing equipment in parts of the state.
Ibas made this pledge during a town hall security stakeholders’ meeting held in Opobo Town in Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area on Saturday.
The Sole Administrator, represented by the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, stressed the need for collective efforts to safeguard critical government assets and infrastructure.
“We are here to ensure you work in synergy with the Local Government Administrator to protect government infrastructure and critical assets,”;; he stated.
Ibas promised residents that the government would prioritize healthcare, education, road rehabilitation, and other welfare concerns to enhance living standards in the area.
On his part, the Administrator of Opobo/Nkoro LGA, Frederick Apiafi, outlined the region’s unique security challenges, which include sea piracy, theft of fishing equipment, illegal oil bunkering activities, and unauthorized vigilante operations.
A similar meeting was held in Omoku, the headquarters of Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Area, where the Sole Administrator charged the people to uphold peace as a vital pillar for sustainable development.
At Ngo in Andoni Local Government Area, the Sole Administrator reaffirmed the state’s commitment to tackling critical development challenges in the area.
Ibas emphasized the need for strengthened collaboration among communities, security agencies, and government officials to enhance welfare, security, and socio-economic growth.
He also addressed concerns over oil companies’ failure to provide adequate employment opportunities for indigenes, promising swift intervention.
The Sole Administrator of Andoni LGA, Surveyor Atajit Francis, in his remarks, applauded the Rivers State Government for initiating the engagement, stating that it would “enhance governance, promote peace, and accelerate development in Andoni and across the state.”;;
He bemoaned the historical neglect of Andoni despite its contributions to Nigeria’s economy as a major oil-producing region and called for urgent infrastructural and human capital development.
