Rivers Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting the Nigerian Army in protecting oil and gas facilities and other critical national assets in the state.
Fubara gave the assurance on Friday when he received the Commander, 6 Division Garrison and Sector 3, Joint Task Force (South-South), Operation Delta Safe, Brigadier-General Ismaila Sule, at Government House, Port Harcourt.
The governor congratulated the senior officer on his posting to the state, noting that Rivers had maintained a mutually beneficial relationship with the Nigerian Army across successive administrations.
He described the partnership as a win-win relationship, adding that supporting security agencies was a fundamental responsibility of government, given the importance of security to the social and economic development of the country.
Fubara also commended the establishment of a new Army Brigade in Ahoada, saying the military formation would help address security challenges, tension, and agitation in the area.
He expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu and the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant-General Waidi Shaibu, for the initiative, which he said would benefit the state.
The governor stressed that his administration would not ask the military to engage in activities capable of undermining its professional and statutory responsibilities or oppressing citizens.
He said his interest remained the peace, progress and development of Rivers State, assuring that government’s support for Sector 3, which is responsible for protecting critical national assets, including oil pipelines, would be sustained and improved.
Earlier, Brigadier-General Sule thanked the governor for the warm reception and the state government’s continued support for the Army.
He said he had been briefed by his predecessors on the cordial relationship between the Army and the Rivers State Government and conveyed the appreciation of the military high command.
The commander explained that his visit was to formally introduce himself to the governor and outline his plans to visit the state’s 23 local government areas and nearby military formations.
Sule further disclosed that Rivers would benefit from the Nigerian Army’s planned expansion from eight to 12 divisions, following a directive by President Tinubu, with a new brigade and its affiliated battalions to be stationed in Ahoada.
He expressed confidence that the new formation would help tackle security challenges in the area, assuring that the Army under his command would work towards ensuring lasting peace and security across the state.
