Omuma, Rivers State –– In a decisive move to address pressing security and developmental challenges, the Rivers State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring peace and prosperity in Omuma Local Government Area (LGA).
The Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (Rtd), made this declaration during a high-stakes town hall meeting held yesterday at the Omuma LGA Council Headquarters in Eberi.
Represented by the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Olugbenga Adepoju, the Sole Administrator emphasized that the security of lives and property remains the administration’s top priority.
A statement released by Hector Igbikiowubo, Senior Special Adviser – Media, Rivers State Government disclosed that the meeting, which brought together key stakeholders, was aimed at identifying critical challenges and formulating actionable solutions to foster sustainable development in the area.
Security: A Collective Responsibility
CP Adepoju underscored the importance of community involvement in maintaining security, urging the Sole Administrator of Omuma LGA, Mr. Manager Ikechi Nwala, to hold regular town hall engagements with law enforcement agencies, traditional rulers, political leaders, women, and youth groups.
“Security is everyone’s business,” Adepoju stated. “We must work together to protect government facilities, report suspicious activities promptly, and ensure that Omuma remains peaceful.” He also called on the LGA leadership to identify non-functional but impactful projects for government intervention.
Omuma’s Security and Developmental Challenges
Mr. Nwala highlighted critical issues plaguing the LGA, including:
– Land grabbing and politically motivated arrests of Omuma indigenes.
– Illegal oil bunkering, allegedly facilitated by intruders from Abia State.
– Misconduct of a serving Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Mr. Chima Uzoma, accused of collaborating with criminals in oil theft.
To address these challenges, Omuma LGA leadership made the following appeals:
– Establishment of additional police posts to enhance security.
– Immediate redeployment of the implicated DPO to curb illegal oil activities.
– Boundary Dispute and Resource Equity Concerns
His Royal Highness, Eze Monday I. Ojiegbe, speaking on behalf of the Omuma Council of Chiefs, commended the state government’s peace efforts but raised urgent concerns:
– Exclusion from oil derivation benefits despite Omuma being an oil-producing LGA.
– Wrongful allotment of oil wells to Abia State, necessitating immediate boundary resolution to prevent future conflicts.
Youth and Women Demand Opportunities, Better Healthcare
Representatives from the National Youth Council (Omuma Chapter), women groups, and NYSC members called for:
– Youth employment and skills acquisition programs to curb restiveness.
– Improved healthcare services, citing the need for upgrades at Omuma General Hospital.
Government’s Response and Action Plan
CP Adepoju assured stakeholders that:
– The allegations against the DPO would be thoroughly investigated.
– The boundary dispute with Abia State would be reviewed to ensure fair resource allocation.
– More security personnel will be deployed to tackle oil bunkering and land grabbing.
– Critical infrastructure, including healthcare and education facilities, will be rehabilitated.
A Call for Unity and Vigilance
The town hall meeting reinforced the Rivers State Government’s dedication to fostering peace, security, and equitable development in Omuma. Stakeholders were urged to remain vigilant, support security agencies, and actively engage in government initiatives to ensure lasting progress.
