By Prince Woke
On Wednesday, April 16, service chiefs in Rivers State held a meeting with various stakeholders in the Gokana Local Government Area, urging them to help protect critical national assets.
The Commissioner of Police in Rivers State, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, stated that all security agencies are collaborating to maintain peace in the state.
“We have been instructed to engage with you to understand your challenges. We recognize that Gokana LGA is home to essential national assets belonging to the Federal Government.
“Our personnel are here to ensure the safety of lives and property. We are here to inform you that the infrastructure in your area is our shared responsibility, and we need to protect it.
“We face challenges with individuals attempting to use explosives on pipelines. We encourage you to assist in safeguarding these national assets. Regarding security, we want to hear about your challenges and understand how well you are working together with security agencies in the LGA. We will take note of your concerns and ensure they reach the right people.”
Earlier, the Sole Administrator of Gokana LGA, Professor Gospel Kpee, mentioned that Gokana, which includes both upland and riverine areas, has experienced peace.
“I did not bring any escort because of the peace in Gokana; there are no threats or crises. I sleep soundly in my home.”
“The problems we see include attacks on oil pipelines, both on land and in the water. These actions are not carried out by the people of Gokana. Many outsiders who envy us commit these acts while we sleep peacefully.
“Gokana has two standard hospitals that were built after the Nigerian Civil War. However, the buildings cannot withstand the effects of climate change and need immediate repairs.
“We ask the government to provide us with new hospitals and stock them with medicine. We also lack access to clean drinking water, as all the water we consume is contaminated by oil.
“The people of Gokana are small-scale farmers. The oil has damaged the soil and taken away its nutrients. For our crops to thrive, we need fertilizers and better seeds. We want our children to receive an education. We have a well-equipped computer center. We urge the state government to work with JAMB to establish a CBT examination center in Gokana so our sons and daughters won’t have to travel to Port Harcourt for their exams,” said Professor Kpee.
In his remarks, King Festus Babaa Paago Baigia, the Gbenemene of Gokana kingdom, who sent a representative, emphasized the need for paramount rulers to be acknowledged and included in security efforts.
“Any security measures must involve the paramount rulers,” he stated.
Chief Priscilia Dikue, representing Gokana women, said, “When women are involved in security matters, the administration works more effectively. We promise that women will be part of the peace process, and we will encourage our youth and children to promote peace.”
Youth leader Gbere Kpakol noted that pipeline vandalism occurs because the youth are not engaged.
“The companies operating in our area often ignore the opinions of the paramount rulers. We have the largest manifold in the state. Our request is for the government to also provide us with contracts,” he said.
Chief Priscilia Dikue, a representative of Gokana women, stated, “When women are involved in security matters, the administration functions better. We commit to including women in the peace process. We will engage with our youth and children to help maintain peace.”
Youth leader Gbere Kpakol explained that the issue of pipeline vandalism occurs because young people are not involved. “Companies operating in our area do not take the opinions of our traditional leaders into account. We have the largest manifold in the state. Our request is for the government to also grant us contracts,” he said.
HRM King John Berebon, the Paramount Chief of Bodo, added, “We need to be included in pipeline surveillance. Contractors should work with the paramount rulers of the communities. Ignoring stakeholders can result in pipeline explosions. The Federal Government should reconsider how contracts for pipeline surveillance are awarded.”
Secondus Menemu, who spoke for people with disabilities, urged the government to provide more job opportunities for this group, as they have been overlooked.
Representatives at the event included a Deputy Director from the DSS, the Garrison Commander of the 6th Division of the Nigerian Army, the Commander of the 115 Special Operations Airforce, the head of the Nigeria Navy Ship NNS Pathfinder, the Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, along with various chiefs and youth.
