From wen Akenzua, Asaba
Delta State governor, Sheriff Oborevwori has pledged sustained partnership with the military and other security agencies for effective security and socio-economic development.
Oborevwori, who made the pledge yesterday while playing host to the General Officer Commanding, GOC, 6 Division of the Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt, Major-General Jamal Abdulsalam in Asaba, reiterated the state government’s support for security agencies.
While approving the construction of internal roads at 6 Brigade Headquarters, Asaba, he noted that the army has been playing a significant role in the security architecture of the country.
While commending the army for its high level of restraint and professionalism over Okuama 17, Governor Oborevwori expressed appreciation to the military high command for withdrawing soldiers from the troubled community.
He said: “It is not in our character to take somebody’s life not to talk of security officers. Once again, we commiserate with the Nigerian Army and the families of the slain officers.
“As a government, we will continue to collaborate with the Nigerian Army for effective security in line with our ‘MORE’ agenda which is to enhance peace and security.
“The army has played a very big role. We are lucky as a state to have three different battalions, 3, 90 and 181 and even a Brigade.
“I remember those days when we were under 4 Brigade in Benin which was under 2 Division in Ibadan; so, I know the formation as at that time. Now we have our own close to us in Rivers State.
“I have promised Deltans to ensure that they have peace with the army and other security agencies, there is no way we cannot have peace. As an oil producing state, the pipeline has to be secured. This will encourage investors.”
On the issue of land, the governor said the Certificate of Occupancy, C of O is ready, adding that 56.35 hectares was gifted to Amphibian Battalion by the registered trustees of Iweroko and Ameren in Koko.
He pointed out that the C of O had a cost implication of about N598 million for assessment and N14 million for ground rent which, according to him, was huge for the Nigerian Army to pay, saying the state government had given them a waiver.
Earlier in his remarks, Major-General Abdulsalam thanked the governor and the Registered Trustees of Iweroko and Ameren (Ugogomeje) Family Trust of Koko for presenting the Nigerian Army with the parcel of land measuring 56.35 hectares for the construction of army barracks in Koko.
The GOC had told Oborevwori that he was in the state to thank the Delta State government for all the support and cooperation that the army had received over the years.
Abdulsalam also lauded Governor Oborevwori for his deft diplomacy, strategic role and cooperation in resolving the unfortunate Okuama incident, assuring that the army would continue to discharge its responsibilities of ensuring effective security in the state and across the Niger Delta with utmost professionalism.
He solicited the support of the state government in the construction of internal roads and the building of more structures at the army barracks in Asaba and Koko.
