Security agencies have initiated discussions with communities in Rivers State to safeguard pipelines and other critical national assets situated in their domain.
The Commissioner of Police in the State, Olugbenga Adepoju, announced this development in a statement in Port Harcourt.
Adepoju stated that the talks were necessary to ease tension in the State.
He disclosed that the state’s Sole Administrator, retired Vice Adm. Ibok-Ete Ibas, had directed security agencies to collaborate closely with local communities to protect critical infrastructures.
According to him, security agencies participating in the initiative include the Police, Nigerian Army, Navy, Air Force, Department of State Services (DSS), and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
“These engagements with the communities aim to foster collaboration between security agencies and local stakeholders for the protection of critical national assets”, Adepoju explained.
He stated that the discussions commenced on April 25 between security operatives and community representatives in Abua/Odual, Emohua, Tai, Ogu/Bolo, Okirika and Eleme Local Government Areas (LGAs).
“During the dialogues with the community stakeholders, we addressed prevailing security issues and the general welfare of the residents.
“These discussions are essential in enhancing synergy between the communities and security agencies to protect vital infrastructure for the benefit of the national economy.
“The engagements also sought to identify challenges facing the communities beyond security, which will be communicated to the government for necessary attention , he stated.
The Commissioner of Police stated that during the meeting with stakeholders in Tai LGA, residents requested the rehabilitation of the Soghai Farm and creation of job opportunities.
Other issues raised by the people of Tai included insufficient staffing at health centres and schools in Bunu, Seme and Nonwa communities.
In Ogu/Bolo LGA, Adepoju reported that residents demanded the construction of a befitting police station, youth empowerment and employment initiatives, and an end to frequent robberies and kidnappings on the waterways.
“In Okirika LGA, stakeholders identified armed robbery as a major concern in the area and requested an increased police presence.
“They also called for the establishment of modular refineries, JAMB CBT centres, vocational training for youths, empowerment schemes for women, and the rehabilitation of the Daka Market”, he stated.
Adepoju further noted that during the engagement in Eleme LGA, residents expressed concerns over persistent electricity shortages and alleged criminal activities by herders in the area.
According to him, the people of Eleme also appealed to security agencies to intensify patrols and undertake a mop-up operation to remove illegal arms.
“In Emohua, community stakeholders appealed for adequate funding for local security outfits and the rehabilitation of primary healthcare centres.
“In Abua/Odual, residents urged the Sole Administrator of the State to initiate infrastructure projects, including the construction of roads, healthcare facilities, potable water systems, and youth empowerment programmes”, Adepoju concluded.

Theresa Frederick & Charity Amiso

As part of measures to curb incessant crisis in their communities, the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ikwe Ibas (rtd.) has charged the people of Emohua to cooporate with security agencies to ensure lasting peace in their communities.
Ibas stated this recently during an interactive session at the Ngozi Kekwaru Pavilion in Rumuakunde, the Emohua Council Headquarters.
The Sole Administrator, who was represented by the State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Olugbenga Adepoju, and a delegation of Service Chiefs across the Military, in his speech, said the session was imperative for the sole administrator to be acquainted with the challenges facing the people.
He noted that when such challenges are identified, solutions will be proffered, adding that he is keen on initiating developmental projects that will impact on the lives of the populace.
He also charged the people to synergise with security outfits in their domains, tasking them to jealously guard all critical infrastructures relevant to the Federal Government and those that serve them as a people.
“We want unity, we want everyone to work together so that the Sole Administrator can have enough time to develop what he can as he is interested in your welfare and can do what he feels you need most”, he said.
In his remarks, the Administrator of Emohua Local Government Council, Franklin Ajinwo, disclosed that the essence of the session was to discuss the affairs of the Local Government Area bordering on such areas as security of lives and properties, peaceful coexistence, environmental sanitation, conflict resolution, and access to health care.
Ajinwo also enjoined everyone to align with the mandate of promoting peace across all frontiers, saying it is the panacea to attract more development, describing the Local Government as one of the safest and most peaceful in the State.
He lauded the Divisional Police Officers in the area over what he described as a job well done and thanked the Service Chiefs for their visit.
Issues highlighted by various speakers facing the Emohua people include security, youth restiveness, dilapidated and abandoned projects across the area, unemployment, poor power supply, bad roads chieftaincy tussles and improved agricultural practices.
Participants were drawn from the traditional institutions, clergy, youth groups, women and men organisations and the physically challenged.
The event climaxed with an inspection tour of some projects in Ogbakiri and Ibaa communities.

King Onunwor

The Administrator of Degema Local Government Council (LGA), Dr. Sokari Ibifuro Francis, has stated his commitment to addressing, among others, the pressing concerns within the educational sector of the area.
Francis, a former Principal and, until his appointment, a lecturer at the Rivers State University (RSU), disclosed this in a recent meeting with Zonal Directors of Education, Principals, and heads of schools in the LGA and emphasised his commitment to prioritizing education.
Towards this end, he pledged to provide the necessary learning materials required by students and pupils across the area.
He also used the opportunity to announce the rollout of a “back-to-school” programme aimed at addressing the issue of out-of-school children in the Local Government.
Noting the infrastructure challenges faced by schools in the LGA, Dr. Francis promised to construct additional buildings to assist the schools within the area, based on the availability of funds.
Also, in order to address security concerns, the Administrator vowed to engage with the Rivers State National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Coordinator and the traditional leadership in Bakana community to address the harassment of corps members deployed to the community.
He noted that the issue had previously led to the withdrawal of corps members, which placed additional strain on the teaching staff.
Dr. Francis, therefore, stated his resolve to tackle this menace and provide adequate security within and outside the schools in the area.

Soibi Max-Alalibo