From: Daure David
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has called for closer collaboration with the newly appointed General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 6 Division, Major-General Emmanuel Eric Emekah, to tackle the growing menace of pipeline vandalism and economic sabotage in the state.
The Governor made the call during a courtesy visit by Major-General Emekah and his team of officers to Government House, Port Harcourt, on Wednesday. The meeting focused on the security challenges facing the state, particularly the destruction of vital oil and gas pipelines and related activities that threaten the nation’s economic stability.
In his remarks, Gov. Fubara acknowledged the increasing complexity of the state's security challenges, emphasizing that some individuals and groups have made it their mission to disrupt the country’s oil operations.
He pointed out that the responsibility of the government has become more demanding due to the actions of those who engage in pipeline vandalism and other forms of sabotage.
"As the Treasure Base of the Nation, Rivers State is responsible for producing the resources that fuel the entire country’s economy. This places a great deal of responsibility on us to protect our critical national infrastructure, including the pipelines and gas facilities vital to the nation’s operations," Gov. Fubara stated.
The Governor further expressed his concerns over the lack of engagement from previous military leadership in the state, expressing dissatisfaction that the last GOC had not paid him a courtesy visit. He however welcomed Major-General Emekah’s visit, describing it as a positive step towards building a productive relationship between the military and the state government.
Gov. Fubara reassured the GOC that his administration would provide all necessary support to ensure the success of the military’s operations in the state, particularly in the protection of pipelines and other critical infrastructure.
"Rivers State is a key player in ensuring the nation’s success, and we must work together to secure these vital resources. My administration will provide everything within its power to support you in this endeavor," Gov. Fubara added.
In his response, Major-General Emmanuel Eric Emekah, who assumed command of the 6 Division about three weeks ago, thanked the Governor for his warm reception and expressed gratitude for the enabling environment the state government has provided to the military.
The new GOC, whose division is responsible for security in the entire South-South region, excluding Cross River and Edo states, highlighted the military’s primary mission: to protect critical national infrastructure, particularly in the oil and maritime sectors, and to ensure the overall security of the region.
"The task before us is clear: protecting the nation's vital infrastructure and maintaining security in the South-South. I assure you, Governor, that we will give this our utmost attention to meet expectations and deliver results," Major-General Emekah pledged.
Both leaders agreed that collaboration and communication between the state government and the military would be key to addressing the region’s security concerns and curbing the activities of those undermining the country’s economic stability through vandalism and sabotage.
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