The Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, has tasked the Nigerian Navy to take the fight against oil theft in the state seriously, News About Nigeria reports.
He gave this charge while hosting the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, who was on a courtesy visit with his delegation of top officers of the Navy High Command at Government House in Port Harcourt on Thursday.
Fubara noted that there have been forms of economic sabotage, particularly crude oil theft, in the nation’s waterways and urged the Navy to put a total stop to it.
He commended the Navy for its effort so far in curtailing the rate of oil theft in the state, adding that the Navy has recorded positive results already, largely due to the tremendous support it has received from his administration.
According to the statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Nelson Chukwudi, Fubara added that there are also a myriad of crises, including economic challenges, rising insecurity, and criminal activities that threaten the national economy, which should not be overlooked.
“We are working together, and we will give you all the support to make sure that you deliver on your mandate.
“And what is the mandate? You were appointed at a time when our country is facing a lot of crises, and your duty, among others, includes reducing, if it cannot be eliminated, the criminalities perpetrated on the waterways, oil theft, and others.
“And I am happy that they are positive and commendable records of achievement so far, in the course of your tenure,” he stated.
He further assured the Navy of continued support, which will discourage any act that would be a sabotage to the economy of the state.
