Prince Woke
Service Commanders in Rivers State, on Tuesday, May 13th,2025, on the directive of the Sole Administrator of the state, Vice Admiral (rtd) Ibok Ete Ibas, held meetings with stakeholders in Bonny Local Government Area on issues bordering on the security of lives, critical national assets, and welfare.
Commissioner of Police in Rivers State, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, represented the Sole Administrator of the state and led heads of other service commanders such as Nigeria Navy Ship, NNS Pathfinder, Nigeria Army 6 Division garrison, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, DSS, to the LGA In his speech, he said, “We are here on the directive of the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral (rtd) Ibok-Ete Ibas, to interact with you on security challenges of the LGA and challenges facing the area in terms of welfare.
“We all know the LGA houses critical national assets, like oil and gas facilities, which are very important to the nation’s economy, the state, and the Local government area. He wants you to synergise with the LGA Administrator and the heads of security agencies in your LGA to protect and secure the national assets. He equally wants us to find out the challenges facing the LGA, such as infrastructure, schools, health facilities, etc.
The Rivers Police Boss stated that the service commanders will send the complaints of the people of Bonny LGA to the Sole Administrator of the state for necessary action.
In his welcome address, the Administrator of Bonny LGA, Kingsiey Banigo disclosed that the stakeholders meeting aims to enhance safety of the area.
“It will give us the opportunity to explore benefits that improve security measures.Approach the discussion with an open mind.We will implement solutions that will benefit everybody.
“Our unity is paramount.By working hand in hand,we can ensure Bonny LGA remains peaceful”,Mr Banigo said.
On his part,the leader of Bonny Youth Federation, Banigo Anthony, stated that for over twenty -four years the LGA is lacking in infrastructure.
“We do so much for the state and country but we dont get what is commensurate to our efforts.No major road constructed by the state.We have a school called modern primary school it has been abandoned,we want it to be renovated
“We need a proper drainage system. We have an issue of sea piracy, where our people are being kidnapped on the water. We need more security presence on our waterways. We need the Bonny ring road completed,” he said.
Mr Okereke Jonathan Ekine,Liason Officer of NYSC in his contribuction revealed that Corpers dont have lodge in Bonny.
“We need a lodge and welfare from the state.We need proper transportstion to cross the river” he said.
Leader of Bonny Women Forum,Helen Jack wilson Pepple stated that a week ago there was kidnap incident on their water ways.
“Five persons were kidnapped from our waterway around Dutch Island.My son is included.Our water ways is not secured.
“Drugs abuse is on incresse in Bonny Kingdom.We need to stop it.We need internal roads linking the villages in Bonny.
There is issue of cultism which has to be eradicated” Mrs Helen stated.
Peter Ability, Secretary of non-indigene without border in his contribuctiin said
“Our chances of getting job in Bonny is very limited as non-indigene.Sometimes we pay huge amount to get the job.
Most of the crimes are committed by non-indigenes because of lack of employment”.
Representative of the title citizens of Bonny, Fred Stephen Pepple, in his contribution, said, “Our waterways are not safe. There is a need to improve on intelligence gathering. Burglary is on the increase on the Island. We need the establishment of a Neighbourhood watch. The Bodo-Bonny road should be completed”.
Ijaw Youth Council representative in the LGA, Charles Banigo, said, “If we tell the companies to give us the kind of boat they have, they will refuse.
Let the companies give us the kind of boat they are using, which will take us to and from Port Harcourt.Bonny Indigenes are not employed by oil companies. There is no impact of NDDC, like solar lights, in rural areas in Bonny LGA. “
Jude Joshua Pepple, President of Bonny Graduate Forum in his contribuction said “We need scholarship for undergraduates and post graduates”.
Vice Chairman of Bonny Chiefs Council, Jack wilson Pepple in his submission said “let the issues raised here be addressed.Whatever our people raised here should be addressed by the Sole Administrator of the state.
“Bonny is peaceful because we felt there are ways to address our issues rather than fighting each other.We want our complaint s to be given adequate attention.
“We have 34 chieftancy houses. We are one kingdom; nothing will separate us. Some of the issues here are that some of the multinationals do not keep to the agreement reached with the kingdom.
“Let the security agencies safeguard the Bonny Bodo road when completed. We need security post in our territorial boundary with communities in other LGAs. We have not benefited anything from NDDC despite the effects of pollution on us.
“We need specialized hospital in Bonny kingdom.There is need to carry out health assessment of people of Bonny”.
Our correspondent reports that the Service Commanders in Rivers State visited the modern primary school in Bonny and the Bonny general hospital, which is undergoing renovation, for inspection.
