Gov. Fubara Assures Support for Navy to Curb Economic Sabotage

…Promises to support the Naval Training School in Eleme

…Navy records success in the fight against oil theft, seizes 14 vessels

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara has assured the Nigerian Navy of his administration’s continued support so as to discourage acts of economic sabotage in the state.

Governor Fubara gave the assurance while receiving the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla and other top naval officers on courtesy visit at Government House on Thursday.

The governor restated that it is necessary to give the Naval command all the required support to enable them carry out their mandate of protecting the waterways and reducing oil theft, stressing that they have commendably carried out that responsibility and recorded successes especially since the appointment of the Chief of Naval Staff.

He emphasised that his government will continue to collaborate with the Navy to ensure the protection of lives and property in the state especially national assets such as oil facilities to bolster the economy.

“We are working together and we will give you all the support to make sure you deliver on your mandate.”

“You were appointed at a time when our country is facing a lot of crisis. And your duty among others include to reduce, if it cannot be eliminated completely, this crime of the waterways, oil theft and others.”

“I am happy that there are positive and commendable records of achievement in the course of your tenure.”

The governor promised not to disappoint Rivers people in protecting their interest as he will continue to support the genuine cause of governance which includes protection of lives and provision of basic amenities which can only be achieved in the atmosphere of peace.

Sir Fubara called on the Naval authorities to relocate all its facilities and base to Rivers State as the state has all it takes to host the Naval command and assured of support for the Naval Training School now located in Eleme

Speaking earlier, the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla commended Governor Siminalayi Fubara for his government’s support to the naval command especially on provision of logistics in the fight against oil theft in the state

He particularly thanked the governor and Rivers State government for the donation of the Ambassador Nne Kurubo Model Secondary school, Ebubu Eleme to the command which is now to accommodate the erstwhile Naval Training Command in Lagos and Nigerian Naval College, Onne.

The Naval Chief said the collaboration between the navy and the state government has yielded greater results with the arrest of 14 large crude carrying vessels and the tremendous improvement in the security system.