‘Why LNG Moved Hqts To PH’ …As Amaechi Reviews Security Efforts

The outgoing Managing Director of the Nigeria Liquified Natural Gas (NLNG), Mr Chima Ibeneche, said at the weekend that the improved security situation in Rivers State informed the relocation of the company’s headquarters to Port Harcourt.

Mr Ibeneche made the remarks at the send-forth party at Hotel Presidential, Port Harcourt  organinsed by the NLNG to mark the end of his service to the company.

He acknowledged that security in the state had improved and commended the Amaechi administration for the achievement.

“One reason that gave the NLNG confidence to come to Port Harcourt was indeed the improved security of the state.  We don’t take security and safety of our employees lightly at all… we took time to do surveys and studies about the state of security in Rivers State and clearly it was evident that things have changed in the last four years.  So, our coming here is a vote of confidence in appreciation of what Governor Amaechi had done”, he said.

“At the height of militancy when it  appeared  that everything was going to fall apart and the NLNG might not be able to function, it was the Rivers State Government that first took the initiative to increase the presence of Federal Government security agencies in Bonny that gave us assurance to stay.

“The Amaechi Government did that without our begging for it, so, when we decided to come to Port Harcourt, the Rivers State Government did not beg us; we decided to come”

Earlier, the state governor, Rt Hon Chibuike Amaechi had said that his administration succeeded in bringing back peace to the State by virtue of his government’s determination to do so in the face of militancy and criminality that pervaded the state before he became governor.

Governor Amaechi who is also the chairman, Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), explained that security in Rivers State had greatly improved since he became governor.

“We can recall that there was security crisis in Rivers State when I became governor. There was no night life. Businesses could not operate at night. But now, security has improved in the state”, Amaechi said.

Governor Amaechi re-assured the management of the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) of his government’s support and preparedness to provide a peaceful atmosphere in the state for business and investment to thrive.

“Things are beginning to change in Rivers State”, he added.

Governor Amaechi praised the outgoing NLNG Managing Director for his sterling leadership qualities as well as his increased awareness and compliance with corporate governance which made the company to succeed.

He said his administration was committed to building roads to link multinational firms and the rest of the State.

“You may also know that my administration has also built the Rumuigbo Road linking Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), the Elekahia – Rumumasi Road and others, but you must also know that we have built model primary and secondary schools, these are physical development projects”.