Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has welcomed plans to establish a new Nigerian Army Brigade in Ahoada, expressing confidence that the military formation will help address security challenges and reduce tension in the area.
The Governor described the initiative as a significant intervention, given the security concerns in the Ahoada axis.
He commended President Bola Tinubu and the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, for deciding to expand Army formations and commands nationwide.
Governor Fubara spoke at Government House, Port Harcourt, on Friday while receiving the new Commander of the Nigerian Army 6 Division Garrison, Brigadier General Ismaila Sule, who paid him a courtesy visit.
He expressed appreciation for the longstanding relationship between the Rivers State Government and the Nigerian Army, noting that successive administrations have maintained a cordial working relationship with the military to strengthen security across the state.
“I want to honestly appreciate the information you just gave to us, the new Brigade that is being created, and more especially the siting of that Brigade in the Ahoada axis, knowing fully well the prevalent challenges that we’re having from that area,” the governor said.
The Governor said the establishment of the new brigade would be particularly important in addressing security concerns in the area, expressing hope that its presence would help reduce agitation and tension.
He also assured the military of the state government’s continued cooperation, promising that its support would be increased to enable the Army to discharge its responsibilities effectively.
The Rivers governors stressed that the partnership between the state government and security agencies is necessary for the protection of lives, property and critical infrastructure, including oil pipelines.
“We are not going to relent or lower our level of support; rather, we will increase it to make sure that you succeed while you are serving the people of Rivers State and Nigeria at large,” Fubara said.
The Governor, however, emphasised that the partnership is aimed at promoting peace, progress and development, assuring the Army that the state government would not ask it to undertake any action that would undermine its professional responsibilities or be used to oppress anyone.
He noted that the security of oil installations and pipelines remains an important area of cooperation between the state government and the military, adding that effective collaboration is in the interest of both parties.
Military Assures Rivers Residents of Peace
In his address, Sule, who doubles as the Sector Three Commander of Operation Delta Safe, disclosed that the establishment of a new brigade in Ahoada is part of its ongoing expansion from eight to twelve divisions, aimed at strengthening military operations and improving security across the country.
“Rivers State will be one of the states that will benefit from this expansion, as in the coming days, we’ll be receiving a brigade that will be stationed at Ahoada to come with its affiliated battalions,” he said.
The Army commander, who said he assumed command on September 30, explained that his visit was to formally introduce himself to the Governor and acknowledge the support the Nigerian Army had received from successive Rivers State administrations.
He assured Fubara that the Nigerian Army would do its best to maintain peace and security throughout his tenure.
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