‎By Hosea Parah

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‎The Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, on Tuesday, pledged that his administration will deepen its partnership with the Nigerian Army to protect critical national assets and curb economic sabotage in the state.

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‎The Governor, according to a statement issued on Tuesday by his Chief Press Secretary, Onwuka Nzeshi, gave the assurance while receiving the General Officer Commanding, 6th Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Everest Ifeanyi Okoro, who paid him a courtesy visit at Government House, Port Harcourt. The GOC was accompanied on the visit by senior military officers and other security personnel of the 6th Division of the Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt. The Division has jurisdiction across Rivers , Bayelsa, Delta and Akwa Ibom States.

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‎Welcoming the newly deployed GOC to Rivers State – the Treasure Base of the Nation, Governor Fubara noted that the partnership between the Rivers State Government and the Nigerian Army predates his administration and has been critical during challenging periods.

‎“The Rivers State Government didn’t start this partnership today. It is a system that has been existing. As a matter of fact, I know the wonderful relationship that the immediate past administration enjoyed with the Nigerian Army. In most of our critical times, the Nigerian Army has always been there to give us the necessary support,” he said.

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‎Governor Fubara assured the GOC that his case won’t be different as the government of the state will give him all the support that is required for him to succeed in his new assignment.

‎He stressed that the present security realities demand joint action to protect critical national assets, particularly the oil and gas infrastructure from vandals.

‎“We understand the kind of trying times that we are already in; it is not a time where you can do it on your own. It is a time when all the units and the stakeholders must come together and join hands to make sure that we protect our valuable assets from these criminals that have decided that their only stock in trade will be to vandalise and destroy critical national assets and make the state and the nation suffer,” Fubara said.

‎He clarified that the relationship goes beyond mere collaboration, stressing that it is a partnership.

‎”The Rivers State Government will partner with you as the General Officer Commanding the 6th Division of the Nigerian Army. We’ll also partner with every other sister agency who work with you – the Nigerian Air Force and the Nigerian Navy- to make sure that we succeed as a team,” the Governor declared.

‎Governor Fubara urged the GOC to prioritize the protection of Rivers, noting the strategic importance of the state to the economy of the nation. He prayed for a successful tenure for the GOC and reaffirmed the state’s support for him and his troops in the various units and formations across the Niger Delta region.

‎In his remarks, the General Officer Commanding, the 6th Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Everest Ifeanyi Okoro, assured that the Division will sustain it’s efforts to protect lives, property and critical infrastructure in Rivers State.

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‎The GOC noted that the relative peace in Rivers State is vital to both the state’s socio-economic growth and national development, stressing that emerging security threats such as pipeline vandalism, cult based violence and other related crimes, still required vigilance.

‎He stated that addressing these challenges will require sustained intelligence gathering and collaboration with all stakeholders, including the state government, traditional rulers and other community leaders.

‎Major General Okoro affirmed that the 6th Division will continue to align with the vision of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, by prioritizing operational effectiveness and joint operations with other security agencies.

‎“We shall continue to ensure the pursuit of operational effectiveness and ensure a seamless joint and multi agency collaboration for my troops. I can guarantee you that we will continue to maintain the utmost level of professionalism in the discharge of our constitutional responsibility,” he assured.

‎He expressed appreciation to Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the Rivers State Government as well as the Rivers people for their continued support to the Nigerian Army and other security agencies, and called for sustained partnership.

‎“I wish to most sincerely appreciate the government and the people of Rivers State for the continued support to the Nigerian Army as well as other security agencies. I respectfully look forward to the sustenance of this collaboration particularly through enhanced information and intelligence sharing, community engagement and other forms of support that will facilitate the effective discharge of our responsibilities,” he said.

‎He pledged that under his command, the 6 Division will remain focused on its mandate of securing the state and enabling socioeconomic development.

‎“Let me assure His Excellency, that under my command, the Division will remain dedicated to protecting lives and property, safeguarding critical national infrastructure and supporting the civil authority in creating the enabling environment for our people to thrive,” the GOC stated.