As part of efforts to ensure the safety of lives and properties of his people, the Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, Dr Gift Worlu, has held his first official security meeting with heads of security agencies.
The meeting which was held on Tuesday, September 9, at the Council Secretariat in Rumuodomaya, underscored his administration’s commitment to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of residents.
Welcoming the security chiefs, Worlu emphasized the need for consistent collaboration between government and security operatives, noting that the current climate demands a proactive approach to maintaining peace and order.
He said, “Security should be given priority because the primary purpose of government is to protect lives and property.
“As an individual, I have great respect for security agencies. I have had firsthand experience of the sacrifices our police officers go through, and it has been an eye-opener.
“The tasks they handle daily are overwhelming, yet they work with a poor reward system.”
Worlu reiterated his administration’s dedication to making Obio/Akpor a secure environment conducive for investment and business growth. He pledged continued support to security agencies and called for joint efforts to tackle emerging challenges in the area.
“As a local government, we intend to do some things differently. We will not fold our hands and watch our roads being taken over by market women, or turned into makeshift parks while the designated markets and parks remain empty.
“We seek collaboration with the security agencies to address this. My doors are always open to you, and within the resources available, we shall support the gallant men and women of our security agencies.
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In his response, the Director of the Department of State Services (DSS) in Obio/Akpor highlighted the shared responsibility of ensuring security and encouraged public cooperation.
He recommended the use of transparent barricades to control illegal street trading and called for sustained collaboration among the council, security forces, and the community.
Also speaking, CSP Ahmed Doma, Divisional Police Officer of Choba Division, pledged the Nigeria Police’s full support for the council’s security agenda.
Doma raised concerns about alleged extortion by some Community Development Committees (CDCs), market leaders, and youth groups, who reportedly collect unauthorized levies from traders and transport operators.
He also pointed to traffic congestion at Delta Park, attributing it to the high volume of commercial motorcycles used by students and urged the Chairman to engage with motorcycle unions to find lasting solutions.
Other representatives of various security agencies at the meeting expressed appreciation to the LG boss for initiating the dialogue and reaffirmed their commitment to working with the council to keep Obio/Akpor safe and orderly.
