The governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, has pledged continuous support for security agencies to enhance their operations across the state.

He disclosed this on Thursday at the Government House, Port Harcourt, when the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, paid him a courtesy visit during his visit to the state as part of his nationwide tour to assess the condition of naval commands and formations across the country.

Fubara said, “You don’t need to thank us, truly, because it is our responsibility as a government to ensure that agencies operating in our territory receive the support they need to succeed.

“I don’t even have the technology or the expertise to do it. It is the duty and responsibility of the Nigerian Navy.

“How do I make that responsibility effective? By collaborating with them and providing assistance where necessary. And while they are carrying out this responsibility, it is also a win for us as a state.”

He added, “You know how strategic Rivers State is. It is the centre of our crude oil. Most major distribution lines originate from Rivers State, and these lines are not in the inland areas; they are located in coastal and waterway zones.

“So, you can see that we are the ones who should be saying thank you for protecting us and securing the lives of our people. When anything goes wrong, lives are lost, and the ecosystem is destroyed. But you are helping us prevent that.”

Stressing the need for improved stakeholder commitment, the governor said, “I know quite well that this is a very challenging time for all of us. I pray that Almighty God gives you what you need to overcome these challenges.

“My promise has never changed. We must work together for progress. My predecessors had a wonderful relationship with the Nigerian Navy. Many of our assets were given to them to ensure that operations here ran smoothly.

“I must also maintain a cordial relationship with all the commanders. It is unfortunate that the present commander has now been promoted.

“Our expectation is that another officer will come in who will work with us, understand us, and respect the state. We will continue to collaborate and ensure we play our part so that you can succeed.”

In his remarks earlier, Vice Admiral Abbas described Rivers State as strategically important to the country.

“I have most of the critical energy hubs domiciled in this state. Part of my responsibility is to ensure that these national assets, particularly the ones ashore, are very safe, because the nation relies on them.

“My visit here is to pay homage and respect to the chief security officer of the state that hosts most of my critical units.

“This morning, I realised that the entire training hub of the Nigerian Navy is domiciled in Rivers State. We have the Command Headquarters here, the basic training school for lower cadres, and the training school for officers.”

He continued, “This state is very critical to me. I also came to appreciate and thank His Excellency for all the support the state has given the Nigerian Navy, ranging from the provision of gunboats to infrastructural development.

“I was briefed by the FOC that His Excellency has given six gunboats to us. I am very happy and appreciative, as this will greatly improve our operational capability, along with the school building provided to us.

“We are sincerely grateful, and I plead that you continue to support us as you have always done.”