Governor Siminalayi Fubara has hailed the Nigerian Army over its efforts in combating pipeline vandalism and illegal oil bunkering, saying the efforts are yielding positive results.
Governor Fubara gave the commendation on Friday, when the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu paid him a courtesy visit at the Government House, Port Harcourt.
The COAS, accompanied by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) the 6th Division of the Nigerian Army, Major General Emmanuel Emekah and other senior officers of the Nigerian Army were on the visit as part of activities heralding the 163rd Nigerian Army Day celebration holding in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
In his welcome remarks, Governor Fubara said that the efforts of the military in curbing disruptions in oil production has resulted in the production of higher quantum of crude oil and more revenue to the country.
He noted that the operations of the 6th Division of the Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt has also helped Rivers State in terms of security of lives and property.
Governor Fubara congratulated the COAS on his appointment, stating that a lot of positive things have happened in the security sector within the short period he ( Shaibu) has been on the saddle.
“I’m commending you because within the short period that you’ve been appointed, I can conveniently say that there are a lot of positive things that our state has recorded in terms of security. I wish that your tenure will record a lot more positive improvements for the Nigerian Army.
“I want to also say that we are really happy that in the face of everything, you chose Rivers State for this very wonderful celebration.
This is significant for us. It speaks to two things: that Rivers State is peaceful and Rivers State is worth securing,” he said..
Governor Fubara pledged more support for the Nigerian Army, stressing that Rivers State will continue to work with the military to ensure that its personnel operating in the state receive maximum cooperation to do their jobs.
“You’re doing this work and everyone of us is enjoying the positive effects.We owe you our support.We are not going to rest on our oars in ensuring that we do whatever we need to do to make you succeed,” he said.
Earlier, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen. Waidi Shaibu told Governor Fubara that he was in the state to attend the 163rd Anniversary of the Nigerian Army taking place in Rivers State.
He expressed profound gratitude to the Rivers State Government for always providing support to the 6th Division to conduct its operations.
“I want to specifically thank you for the support you have rendered us especially the infrastructure, the stadium that you have put at our disposal for hosting the event and other things that you have done at the Divisional HQ as part of your own contributions to ensure the success of the celebration,” he said. According to the COAS, it is a week-long programme featuring various activities that will impact positively in various communities, as part of the Civil – Military relations to win the hearts and minds of the people.
