Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has emphasized the need for closer collaboration between the state government and the Nigerian Army's 6 Division to address crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and maritime crimes. This call was made during a courtesy visit by Major-General Emmanuel Eric Emekah, the new General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 6 Division, at the Government House in Port Harcourt on Wednesday.
In his remarks, Governor Fubara highlighted Rivers State's critical role as an economic powerhouse in Nigeria, stressing that the security and protection of national assets within the state are paramount for the country’s overall functioning. The Governor emphasized that a collaborative approach is needed to secure vital infrastructure, ensuring that Nigeria can continue to thrive both economically and socially.
"The challenges we face in Rivers State are substantial, given our status as the economic backbone of the country," Fubara stated. "The responsibility to protect critical national infrastructure lies heavily on us all. Effective collaboration between the state government and the Nigerian Army is essential to address these pressing issues and secure our national assets."
Governor Fubara commended the leadership of the Nigerian Army for the pivotal role it plays in safeguarding national assets within its jurisdiction, but he stressed that peace in the state is a prerequisite for achieving such objectives. He also took the opportunity to express his appreciation for the new GOC's visit, noting that the previous GOC had not established a similar rapport with the state government.
"I am truly pleased to receive you today. It is crucial that we maintain a strong working relationship," Fubara said. "Unfortunately, your predecessor did not make efforts to connect with us during his tenure. This visit is not just a formality—it signifies a commitment to cooperation between the state government and the Army. Our success is intertwined, and I believe we can achieve a lot by working together."
Governor Fubara assured Major-General Emekah of his administration's support and pledged to provide the necessary resources and cooperation to help the Army succeed in its mandate. He acknowledged the importance of addressing security challenges, particularly in communities that are vulnerable to oil theft and pipeline sabotage.
"Our state is grappling with increasing security threats, especially in areas related to pipeline vandalization and crude oil theft," Fubara noted. "These criminal activities are not just about economic loss—they also destabilize communities and create crises. We need to work closely with the Army to ensure that peace is restored, and these operations can continue smoothly. Where necessary, the state government will intervene, particularly in matters involving community relations and traditional leadership."
In response, Major-General Emekah thanked the Governor for the warm reception and emphasized the importance of maintaining a strong relationship between the Army and the state government. He explained that his visit was customary following his assumption of command of the 6 Division, adding that the Army remains committed to fulfilling its mandate of protecting national infrastructure and maintaining security in the South-South region.
"My visit today is part of the military tradition—when you assume command, you visit the key stakeholders in your area of responsibility," Major-General Emekah said. "As the Chief Host of the 6 Division, I deemed it necessary to introduce myself and express my gratitude for the support that the state government has provided to the Army."
He reiterated the Army's commitment to ensuring the security of critical national infrastructure, particularly in the maritime and oil sectors, and pledged to work closely with the state government to achieve these goals.
"The task before us is clear: to protect vital national assets and ensure security in the South-South region," Major-General Emekah stated. "We will give this mission our utmost attention and work closely with all stakeholders, including the state government, to ensure that we fulfill our duties."
Governor Fubara's call for collaboration with the Nigerian Army comes at a time when Rivers State continues to face challenges related to illegal oil bunkering, pipeline destruction, and community unrest in oil-producing areas. The Governor emphasized that these issues require a multifaceted approach, including military intervention and government support, to ensure long-term peace and stability in the region.
