In order to combat criminal activities such as illegal oil bunkering, fishing equipment theft, and sea piracy in some areas of the state, Rivers State Administrator Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas has called for increased cooperation between security agencies, community stakeholders, and residents.
At a town hall security stakeholders’ meeting on Saturday in Opobo Town, Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area, the sole administrator made the pledge.
The Sole Administrator underlined the necessity of teamwork to protect vital government infrastructure and assets, represented by Olugbenga Adepoju, the Rivers State Commissioner of Police.
We are here to ensure you work in synergy with the Local Government Administrator to protect government infrastructures and critical assets,” he said.
He also gave locals the assurance that in order to raise living standards in the area, the government would give priority to issues like road rehabilitation, healthcare, education, and other welfare problems.
Frederick Apiafi, the administrator of Opobo/Nkoro LGA, emphasized in his speech the particular security threats facing the area, such as illicit oil bunkering, fishing gear theft, sea piracy, and unapproved vigilante attacks In a similar gathering at the Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Area Headquarters in Omoku, the sole administrator urged the populace to maintain peace as a key component of sustained development.
The Sole Administrator, who was also represented by CP Adepoju and a high-level delegation of security leaders, underlined that “without peace, no meaningful development can thrive.”
He assured residents of the state government’s commitment to strategic engagement and inclusive collaboration to enhance security and socio-economic growth across ONELGA.
At Ngo in Andoni Local Government Area, the Sole Administrator underlined the state’s dedication to addressing the region’s pressing development issues.
Ibas underlined that in order to improve welfare, security, and socioeconomic development, communities, security agencies, and government representatives must work together more closely.
He also promised prompt action in response to complaints that oil corporations are not giving indigenous people enough job chances
In his remarks, the Sole Administrator of Andoni LGA, Surveyor Atajit Francis, commended 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 lamented 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.
