Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta on Thursday lauded the Nigerian Army (NA) for its professionalism, especially in handling the incident of the killing of soldiers at Okuama Community.
Oborevwori made the commendation at the visit of the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 6 Division of the NA, Port Harcourt, Maj.-Gen. Jamal Abdulsalam, to him in Asaba.
He said the state government would sustain the partnership between it, the military and other security agencies for effective security and socio-economic development of Delta.
Approving the construction of internal roads at the 6 Brigade Headquarters, Asaba, the governor added that the army had played significant roles in securing the country.
“It is not in our character to take somebody’s life, not to talk of security officers. Once again, we commiserate with the NA and the families of the slain officers.
“As a government, we will continue to collaborate with the NA for effective security in line with our M.O.R.E 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 Battalions, and even a Brigade.
“I remember in those days when we were under the 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 here.
“I have promised Deltans to ensure that they have peace and with the army and other security agencies, there is no way we cannot have peace.
“As an oil-producing state, the pipelines have to be secured. This will encourage investors,” he said.
Oborevwori said the Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) of the 56.35 hectares of land, given to the Amphibian Battalion by registered trustees of Iweroko and Ameren in Koko, was ready.
According to him, the cost of the C of O, made up of N598 million for assessment and N14 million for ground rent, was too huge for the army, hence the state government gave a waiver.
“I mandated the Commissioner for Lands to make sure the C of O was ready. So, you are going home with it today,” he said.
Earlier, the GOC said he was in the state to thank the state government for all the support and cooperation the NA had received over the years.
Abdulsalam appreciated the governor and the trustees of the Iweroko and Ameren for the parcel of land, meant for the construction of an army barrack.
He also lauded Oborevwori for his deft diplomacy, strategic role and cooperation in resolving the Okuama incident.
He assured that the NA would continue to discharge its responsibilities of ensuring effective security in the state and across the Niger Delta with utmost professionalism.
Abdulsalam solicited the state government’s support in constructing internal roads and building more structures at the barracks in Asaba and Koko.