The Executive Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Joseph Fubara has assured the Nigerian Navy that his administration would continue to synergize with security operatives to combat the menace of oil bunkering and pipeline vandalisation in the State.
Gov. Fubara gave the assurance while speaking at the 2024 Ceremonial Sunset of the Nigerian Navy at the Headquarters Naval Training Command in Ebubu Eleme on Thursday, December 12, 2024.
He spotlighted the contributions of the Navy in the protection of economic assets in the State adding that his government will continue to support the agency to succeed.
“On our own part to also make you succeed we have always collaborated with the Nigerian Navy, supported where we can and where we need to play an advisory role we have also done so.”
The governor congratulated the agency for recording some outstanding achievements in the year which calls for celebration.
“On behalf of the government and the good people of Rivers State I congratulate the Nigerian Navy especially the Rivers State Command on this very wonderful event marking the end of the year. When I came in I asked what sunset in this arena meant and I was told that it is rounding up or closure of an activity. You can only celebrate closure when you are happy that you have good things that you can show that you have done. After listening to the Chief of Naval Staff on the list of achievements recorded by the Navy for the year I felt strongly that there is every need to celebrate the end of the year.”
“It has not been an easy system, not just for the Navy but for our country. This is especially as we are faced with the evil of economic sabotage that we are working to overcome, which is oil bunkering and vandalisation of our pipelines.”
“In most cases the agency saddled with this difficult task is the Navy because 90% of our oil pipelines are in the swamp and the Niger Delta region. So, I can say tonight that you have done well for our nation, congratulations.”
He emphasised that his government and the Navy will work assiduously together by making sure that they combat, confront and overcome the challenges ahead in the coming year.
On his part the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice-Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla commended Governor Siminalayi Fubara for the immense contributions of his administration to the success of the Navy in the year and sought for more collaborations in the coming year.
He said the event afforded the agency the opportunity to review its accomplishments in the outgoing year and look ahead for greater task, adding that part of its achievement includes the new Headquarters Naval Training Command in Ebubu Eleme.
