Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd) has assured the kinsmen of Governor Siminalayi Fubara that he would tackle challenges facing them head on.
The administrator gave the assurance on Saturday when he visited Opobo in continuation of the security/stakeholders interaction with communities across the state.
Represented by the state Commissioner of Police, Olubenga Adepoju, Ibas said that the interaction became necessary to enable him understand the challenges at the grassroots with a view to proffering solutions.
The administrator also urged residents of Opobo/Nkoro to cooperate with their local government Sole Administrator, Mr. Fred Apiafi as he delivers on his mandate to the people.
“We are here to talk on welfare and security challenges in this local government area. Security and safety of critical national assets is our collective duty.
“Opobo alongside Andoni Local Government Area houses crude oil and pipelines and we all know the importance of these assets to the nation.
“We have security agencies in all the local government areas who are to assist you to ensure that critical national assets are secured and also ensure the safety of lives and property,” he said.
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In his remarks, the Administrator of Opobo/Nkoro, Mr. Fred Apiaffi.commended Ibas for the meeting which he also discrbed as timely.
He noted that the area had been grappling with various degree of criminality, including sea piracy, burglary, armed robbery attacks on communities, crude oil theft and intimidation by local vigilantes.
Apiafi called for speady security intervention to ensure the safety of oil infrastructure as well as the livelihoods of the people.
Also speaking, a representative of the traditional ruler in Opobo/Nkoro, Alabo Edwin Brown appealed for the establishment of a police station along the Opobo/Nkoro/Queens Town axis to help check the activities of criminals in the area.
Mrs Felicia Pepple, President, Opobo Women Welfare Association urged the state government to embark on empowerment programmes to tackle the challenges of poverty in communities.
