We’ll Synergise With FG To Curb Bunkering, Increase Oil Production – Gov Fubara

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara has assured the collaboration of the Rivers State Government with the Federal government to curb the menace of illegal bunkering and pipeline vandalisation in order to increase oil production in the country.

Governor Fubara disclosed this while addressing the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa and his team who paid a courtesy visit on the Governor at Government House, Port Harcourt on Wednesday.

The governor explained that a robust relationship and partnership already existed between the Rivers State Government and Service Commanders in Rivers State which has paid off positively in the fight against pipeline vandalisation and oil theft, adding that with the professional competence of the Chief of Defence Staff, and the direct complementary role of the Federal Government through the defense headquarters much will be achieved.

“I can say here boldly that before this time we have had a very wonderful relationship with the service commanders here and in Rivers State we have done so much in combating the activities of illegal bunkering and pipeline vandalism. And you can imagine what has just happened now when the federal government is now being part through the defense headquarters to complement what we are doing. I can assure you that it is going to be a total success.”

Gov. Fubara noted that the criminals have resorted to sea piracy and kidnapping of innocent citizens on the water ways following the joint efforts of the Air Force and the Navy to fight illegal bunkering and pipeline vandalisation, stressing that modalities are being put in place by the Rivers State Government to acquire six gun boats for the coverage of the most volatile water ways.

“You mentioned something, the issue of sea pirates. That is even one of the problems we are having today, because of what we are doing through the Navy and the Air Force. They have all entered into the waterways, the waterways around Bonny is their tract now. Kidnapping of innocent people coming from Bonny to Port Harcourt or some of them going from Port Harcourt to Bonny.”

“We have started something, I have already directed the office of the Secretary to the State Government for the acquisition of six gunboats so that we can hand over some of them to the Navy to secure our waterways.”

The Governor said the development efforts of his administration are being sabotaged by some unpatriotic elements who are out to impede the process of governance and scuttle the state’s economy, but he is determined to remain focused on the governance and development of the state.

“We are faced with a situation where the little that we are doing here are being sabotaged by some persons who don’t want to see any good in what we are doing. This is not just in the aspect of governance , but also in the aspect of economic activities of this country. And in one way or the other this particular moment has created an opportunity for us to rewrite those stories.”

He assured the total support of the Rivers State Government to the Special Committee set up by the Federal Government to fight oil theft and step up oil production in the country.

“Let me on behalf of the government and the wonderful people of Rivers State assure the CDS that our collaboration in supporting the cause of the Federal Government in ensuring that the production line increases by next year is a task that must be done and Rivers State will be part of it.”

On his part, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa thanked Governor Fubara for his continuous support to the members of the Nigeria Armed forces and his efforts in creating the enabling environment for peace to reign in Rivers State and assured the support of the Nigeria Armed forces for sustainable peace to reign in the state.

He said the visit is to assess the level of implementation of the directive and mandate of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to secure oil producing areas and ensure oil production increase to 2.2million barrel per stream day by December 2024, and to inaugurate two committees; Defense Joint Monitoring Team and the Defense Joint Intelligence Fusion Centre.

“We want to thank you for the enabling environment that you have provided due to your style of leadership. Whenever there is rancour in an area it is usually difficult to have peace and security. But coming into Port Harcourt and indeed the entire Rivers State, you can sense the atmosphere of peace. And that shows the kind of person you are.”

“We want to say a very big thank you and continue to assure you that the Armed Forces of Nigeria are fully with you to ensure that Rivers State is indeed peaceful and progressive.”