Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has called for stronger collaboration between the state government and the Nigerian Army’s 6 Division to curb crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and maritime crimes in the region.
Speaking at Government House, Port Harcourt, during a courtesy visit by the newly deployed General Officer Commanding, 6 Division Nigerian Army and Land Component Commander, Joint Task Force Operation Delta Safe, Maj.-Gen. Emmanuel Eric Emekah, the governor stressed the need for synergy to safeguard national assets.
“Rivers State is the economic strength of Nigeria, and protecting critical infrastructure is essential for the nation to function effectively. You need us to succeed, and we also need you to succeed.”
Governor Fubara expressed dissatisfaction over the conduct of the former GOC, who, he said, never engaged with the state government.
“We received the Chief of Army Staff before his unfortunate passing, and he visited us. But you won’t believe that the outgone GOC never came here for one day. Not even to assure us of a common interest in security matters.”
He emphasized that while the government would never ask the military to act unprofessionally, a working relationship was crucial to achieving security objectives.
The governor highlighted the growing security threats in the state, including pipeline vandalism and deliberate instigation of communal conflicts in oil-producing areas.
“We are dealing with a growing set of people who have chosen to be a problem to this country. Pipeline vandalization and destruction of gas and crude oil pipelines have become rampant, and some individuals are engineering community crises in oil-producing areas.”
He assured the military of government support, particularly in areas involving community relations and chieftaincy matters, which fall under state jurisdiction.
Responding, the General Officer Commanding, 6 Division Nigerian Army and Land Component Commander, Joint Task Force Operation Delta Safe, Major-Gen. Emmanuel Eric Emekah pledged to prioritize the protection of critical national infrastructure, particularly in the oil and maritime sectors.
“My visit is customary. When you assume command, you pay courtesy visits to political leaders, traditional rulers, and key stakeholders. As the Chief Host of 6 Division, I deemed it necessary to introduce myself and thank you for the enabling environment provided to the Army in Rivers State.”
He assured Governor Fubara that his command would focus on securing the South-South region and ensuring stability in Nigeria’s oil-producing areas.
“The task of the 6 Division is straightforward: protection of critical national infrastructure and ensuring security in the South-South region. We will give this our utmost attention.”
