*Says Security Collaboration Enhances Delta’s Peace, Economic Growth

DELTA State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has given reasons for the suspension of the Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Reuben Izeze, following the violence that trailed the Delta North All Progressives Congress (APC) meeting at Petroleum Training Institute (PTI), Effurun, in Uvwie Local Council, last month.

    Speaking while receiving the newly-posted General Officer Commanding (GOC), 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt, and Land Component Commander, Joint Task Force (JTF) South-South, Operation Delta Safe, Maj-Gen. Everest Ifeanyi Okoro, at Government House, Asaba, Oborevwori declared that his administration would not shield government appointees facing allegations of wrongdoings.
While stressing that public officials were subject to the same laws as other citizens, the governor said: “We have stated that whether you are a government appointee, whether you are part of the system, if you commit an offence, the law must take its course.
“The state government allowed security agencies to investigate the allegation involving the Commissioner before his arrest and subsequent arraignment.
“Just recently, one of our commissioners was involved in some issue of assault. We allowed the Police to investigate the case, and the man was arrested and charged to court, and the man has been under suspension.
“We can’t be having the case when you are in the government. So, that is to tell you how disciplined we are as a state.”

The governor said the peace in Delta was largely the result of sustained collaboration between the state  government and security agencies, stressing that the state’s strategic position as a major oil-producing state made its security crucial to Nigeria’s economic stability. 

According to him: “Delta State is very, very key to the economy of Nigeria, and we rely on the security agencies to do their work, because the peace we are enjoying today is the result of collaboration between the state and the security agencies.”

Oborevwori commended the Nigerian Army and other security agencies for their efforts in safeguarding the state, saying his administration had continued to provide infrastructure and logistics to enhance their operational capacity. 

    He disclosed that the government recently constructed one-unit flats at the Amphibious Army Barracks in Agbor, and provided sustained logistical support to the 63 Brigade, among other initiatives to support the Nigerian Army.

    He assured that his administration would continue to support and collaborate with the Nigerian Army for a safer and more prosperous region, noting the strong link between security and economic development, as investments and businesses could only thrive in an atmosphere of peace and stability.

     He urged Okoro to sustain proactive security measures and collaboration with other security agencies to protect lives, property and critical economic assets in the Niger Delta, describing the Division as a strategic operational formation with a critical role in maintaining peace and security across the region.

    Earlier, Okoro said the visit was part of his familiarisation tour of military formations and units under his command, following his assumption of duty, commending Oborevwori for his purposeful leadership and strong support for Delta’s security architecture, particularly in the areas of infrastructure, welfare and economic development.

    Okoro said Delta’s strategic location, oil and gas infrastructure, waterways and other critical national assets made the state important to Nigeria’s economic and energy security, adding that the protection of critical national assets and security of states within the Division’s area of responsibility were among his priorities.

    He said credible intelligence, realistic training and close coordination among security agencies and other stakeholders were essential to effectively address security threats, noting that his vision was to safeguard critical national assets, defeat threats within the Division’s area of responsibility and accomplish assigned missions through disciplined leadership, realistic training and seamless joint operations.

    The GOC commended the cordial relationship between the state government and the Nigerian Army, particularly the 63 Brigade, and sought its sustenance.