Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to providing robust support to security agencies, particularly the Nigerian Navy, describing it as a strategic investment in lasting peace, safety of lives, and protection of critical economic assets in the state.
The governor made the pledge on Wednesday at Government House, Port Harcourt, while receiving the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla (represented in some briefings as Vice Admiral Idi Abbas in earlier reports), who was on an operational familiarisation visit to naval commands in the state.
Governor Fubara stressed that supporting security agencies is a core responsibility of his government, noting that Rivers State’s position as the heart of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry makes maritime security non-negotiable.
“You don’t need to thank us,” the governor told the Naval Chief. “It is our duty to ensure that agencies operating in our territory have everything they need to succeed. I don’t have the expertise or technology to secure our waterways and coastal assets myself — that is the constitutional responsibility of the Nigerian Navy. My role is to collaborate and provide the enabling environment for you to carry out that mandate effectively.”
He highlighted the state’s vulnerability due to its extensive coastline and the location of critical national infrastructure in riverine areas, saying, “When anything goes wrong in those waters, lives are lost, ecosystems are destroyed, and the nation’s economy suffers. So, in truth, we are the ones who should be thanking the Navy for protecting our people and securing these vital assets.”
Fubara promised continuity in the cordial relationship previous administrations maintained with the Navy, assuring sustained logistical and infrastructural support. He particularly commended the immediate past Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Eastern Naval Command for his cooperation and expressed confidence that the new FOC would uphold the same spirit of partnership.
Earlier, the Chief of Naval Staff expressed profound gratitude for Governor Fubara’s exceptional support, revealing that the state government had donated six gunboats and constructed school buildings for naval training institutions in Rivers.
He described the state as the “training and operational hub” of the Nigerian Navy, hosting the Naval Headquarters Eastern Command, basic training schools for ratings and officers, and several critical formations.
“Your Excellency, Rivers is strategically indispensable to the Navy and indeed the nation,” the CNS said. “We rely heavily on the resources domiciled here. Your support from gunboats to infrastructure has significantly boosted our operational readiness. We sincerely appreciate this and plead for its continuation.”
Governor Fubara assured the Navy of his administration’s readiness to do even more, emphasising that collective security efforts remain key to sustaining peace and development in Rivers State.
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