The new state Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Rivers State, Joachim Okafor has called for effective collaboration of stakeholders in the state to safeguard critical national assets and infrastructures and protect lives and property.
Okafor, who spoke at the NSCDC State Headquarters in Port Harcourt on Thursday, thanked the Commandant-General, Dr Ahmed Abubakar Audi for the privilege to serve and pledged to work relentlessly to promote the integrity of the corps.
The new Commandant, in a statement signed by the command’s spokesperson, SC Olufemi Ayodele, said critical national assets and infrastructures remained the mainstay of the nation’s economy and a hallmark of the corps’ mandate.
He said the protection of such assets could only be actualised through effective collaborations amongst key stakeholders.
Okafor added that his administration would work in synergy with the state government, all sisters security agencies, community and religious leaders, civil society organisations, the youth, and the media amongst others in combating crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism, environmental degradation, and other crimes in the state.
The Zone L Commander in charge of Rivers, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River, Assistant Commandant-General, (ACG) Ayinla Olowo, described the new Rivers Commandant as an experienced, highly resourceful, and dedicated officer, who has served in various capacities in NSCDC formations across the nation.
Olowo noted that the posting and deployment of officers within the NSCDC was not a punishment but an opportunity to enhance their performance and develop their potential.
He appreciated the dedication of the immediate past Commandant and charged the Rivers State Command officers and men to be disciplined, remain loyal to the high command of the NSCDC, and be dedicated to the service of the nation.
The new Rivers State NSCDC boss served as the Niger State Commandant before his recent deployment to the state.
Meanwhile youths under the auspices of the South-South Youths Initiative are demanding for the reinstatement of Basil Igwebuze as Commandant of the NSCDC.
The group through their leader, Imeabe Oscar, appealed to the NSCDC Commandant General, Audi Ahmed, to approve Igwebueze’s reinstatement, saying his records of professional conduct and achievements while in the state needs to be continued and sustained.
