In furtherance of the meeting with stakeholders on the directive of the Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok Ette Ibas (rtd), the Service Commanders in Rivers State paid a visit to Khana Local Government Area.
The State Commissioner of Police, heads of Nigeria Army 6 Division garrison, 115 special operations Nigeria Airforce, Nigeria Navy Ship Pathfinder, NSCDC, DSS, met with Khana stakeholders to discuss the welfare and security of the people of the LGA.
The meeting was also to deliberate on ways to ensure that critical assets are secured as well as lives and property.
Addressing Khana stakeholders, CP Olugbenga Adepoju said “we are here representing the sole administrator of the state. We are here to discuss about welfare and security.
“We are all aware of the national assets in the LGA, for instance crude oil and gas. We need to ensure the critical assets are secured as well as lives and property.
“We need you to work as a team to ensure protection of the national assets. He want to see what he can do within the short period he is in office.”
The Police Commissioner added that “the Sole Administrator wants to know the challenges facing the LGA in terms of health, school, road.”
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In his welcome address, Prof Michael Barinedum Nwibere, revealed that his mandate was to protect lives and property and national assets.
“In keeping to our mandate, we visited troubled communities in the LGA and placed bounty on some criminals and one of them have been apprehended.
“We held meetings with traditional rulers as well as security agencies in the LGA. Khana LGA is largely peaceful as national assets are jealously guarded by locals.
“Our attention has been drawn to schools in bad shape and shortage of teachers. Let the government consider the LGA in area of renovation of schools.
“Vandalization and looting of council secretariat and lodge.We appeal to you that you should help us in renovation of the council lodge” he said.
Also speaking, His Royal Majesty, Suanu Baridam lamented that “in Nyo-Khana there are no school, community secondary school Sogho, Comprehensive high school Taabaa, Commnunity secondary school Kaa has no seat, no desks.
“Other issue is that of the health centres in bad shape like in that of Taabaa community. We also have influx of herdsmen. They went to Nyokuru, took over our land and killed one person. Also destroyed farmland.
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“There is no manpower in the Police station. For instance in Taabaa, we need more manpower and Police posts in other communities.”
Also, the coordinator of NYCN in Khana, Mr Prince Sordum Leke, noted that their key challenge as youth was unemployment.
“We are calling on the sole administrator to empower our youth through skill acquisition.
Alobari Larry, from Weyekere Community lamented invasion of farmlands by herdsmen. He appealed for government intervention.
The Paramount Ruler of Sogho, His Royal Highness, Mene Frank Nule, complained about an indigene who came with herdsmen to survey lands in the community. He alleged that the herders who are with arms are threatening the community.
Mrs Rita Jumbo who spoke on behalf of women asked for empowerment for women. She said Khana women need skill acquisition as well as grants for farming.
Another native, Nwinee Kayii Lucky requested for electricity and pipeborne water, adding that all the villages in Khana deserves light.
Other natives who responded were Moses Poronee, who complained that some schools have only one principal and one staff while in some schools lack chairs and tables as people are sitting on the ground.
Kuenee Shaddy who represented persons with disabilities said “We cannot access our offices where we are assigned to work.Physically challenged persons need rehabilitation centres for skill acquisition and bus for transportation.”
Mt Robbison Gbenenee appealed for roads in Nyo-khana kingdom.
Jumbo Nenane representative of NULGE requested for immediate rehabilitation of the council secretariat which he said was in terrible shape.
Chief Kobani Beri, lamented over insecurity. “I am appealing that Taabaa Division should be encouraged. Let the CP restore Luumene Bangha Police post”.
