Rivers State Administrator,  Vice Admiral (Rtd) Ibok-Ete Ibas, has reaffirmed the state’s commitment to supporting enhanced maritime security, protection of national assets, and economic growth through strategic collaboration with security agencies, particularly the Nigerian Navy.

Ibas, according to a statement by his Senior Special Adviser on Media, Hector Igbikiowubo, gave this assurance while hosting participants of the Nigerian Naval Warfare College Course 9, who were on a study tour to Rivers State, at the Government House in Port Harcourt on Monday.

Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Ibibia Lucky Worika, the Administrator lauded the theme of the study tour, “Optimizing Technology for Effective Maritime Security Operations,” emphasizing that leveraging modern technology is critical to safeguarding national assets, coastal communities, and ensuring sustainable economic development.

“We are witnessing a time when threats in the maritime domain—ranging from piracy, smuggling, and illegal fishing to environmental hazards—are becoming increasingly sophisticated. To counter these challenges, we must deploy equally advanced solutions,” he stated.

“The integration of modern technology—from satellite surveillance and autonomous systems to AI-powered threat detection and integrated communication networks—is no longer a futuristic ideal but a present-day necessity,” he added.

Ibas commended the Nigerian Naval War College for prioritizing technological innovation in maritime security, underscoring its dedication to advancing national security strategies.

He reiterated the State Government’s readiness to collaborate with federal security agencies.

He said, “Rivers State remains a willing partner in this endeavor. We are committed to supporting all federal security agencies operating within our territory and will continue to invest in strategic infrastructure and cooperative frameworks that enhance safety on land and at sea.”

The Administrator urged the participants to ensure that the study tour strengthens collective stakeholder resolve and broadens professional approaches to achieving sustainable maritime security outcomes.

In his remarks, the Commandant of the Nigerian Naval War College, Rear Admiral Akinola Olatunde Olodude, highlighted Rivers State’s strategic importance to Nigeria’s economy, noting that the state accounts for 30% of Nigeria’s coastline (approximately 853km), over 40% of the nation’s crude oil output, and 33% of its GDP and foreign exchange earnings.

“Given these critical assets, transitioning from traditional maritime security methods to optimizing technology is imperative for addressing contemporary challenges in Rivers State’s diverse maritime environment,” Olodude stated.

The statement added that the study tour underscores the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to fostering operational excellence and technological advancement in maritime security, with Rivers State playing a pivotal role in this national effort.

A traditional ruler in Rivers State, Eze Victor Prince Worluchem, has been docked at a State Senior Magistrate Court on six-count charges bordering on impersonation, misrepresentation, and false pretence.

The charges, marked PMC/2/12026, alleged that Worluchem falsely paraded himself as the paramount ruler of Port Harcourt City and Majesty of Rebisi Kingdom, despite a court order restraining him from doing so.

The six-count charges against Worluchem include disobeying a court order in Suit No PHC/18/8/2013, which restrained him from parading himself as Eze Ebar Rebisi III of Rebisi Kingdom, and conduct likely to cause a breach of peace by falsely and fraudulently presenting himself as Majesty of Rebisi Kingdom.

These offences are punishable under Section 133 and Section 2 of the Criminal Code Cap 37 Vol. II Laws of Rivers State of Nigeria 1999.

During the court proceedings, Worluchem pleaded not guilty to all six charges.

His counsel, U.G. Wokocha, applied for bail, arguing that the offences were bailable and that his client had reliable sureties.

However, Senior Magistrate, Kingsley Briggs, refused to grant him bail on self-recognition, but granted him bail with two sureties in the sum of N500,000.

The sureties are required to be blood relatives or recognized persons in society with a reliable source of livelihood, not above 55 years old.

The court adjourned the matter to July 21, 2025, for continuation of hearing.

After the proceedings, Lawrence Ufomba, counsel for the complainant and Port Harcourt Council of Chiefs, briefed journalists on the court’s decision, while Worluchem’s counsel declined to comment.

The Secretary to the Rivers State Government, Prof. Ibibia Lucky Worika, has emphasised that the Nigerian Immigration Service plays pivotal role in nation building.

Prof. Worika made this observation when the new Comptroller of the Nigerian Immigration Service, Rivers State Command, CIS Shehu Umar, led the management of the Nigerian Immigration Training School Ahoada (NITSA), on a courtesy visit to his office in Port Harcourt, yesterday.

According to him, the strategic position of the Immigration Service in ensuring the safety of our borders is important for the peace and security of the nation.

This was contained in a statement by the Head of the Press Unit.

Office of Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Juliana Masi, yesterday.

Worika assured the Immigration of the State Government’s determination to support security and para-military agencies and ensure the security of the State.

He acknowledged their services and collaboration with sister agencies to enhance law and order, and encouraged them to hold up the positive impact in state building.

In response to ongoing recruitment into the immigration and sister agencies, he maintained that the State will continue to encourage her citizens to join the service.

In his remarks, the Comptroller of the Nigerian Immigration Service, Rivers State Command and Commandant NITSA, CIS Shehu Umar, thanked the State Government for the consistent support to the state command and NITSA.

He noted that NITSA is the only immigration institution located within the entire South-South geopolitical zone to address manpower training needs of junior cadet since 2001.