What could be uppermost in the minds of Rivers people at this point in time, in this time of emergency when folks seem confused? Ibok-Ette Ibas, the Solad, says it is security and welfare of the people.
He has since dispatched the state’s chief police officer, Olugbenga Adepoju, to the local councils to hold meetings with the rural people and reassure of security. The latest is at Khana LGA. His aides call the talks strategic security.
The Solad appointed his own local council sole administrators and has been assuring the people of maximum security, though he had admitted at the onset that the state was peaceful.
On welfare, the people wait to see what he means, apart from workers receiving their salaries. There are grumblings in the pensions area.
The Solad is rather charging the Khana people to safeguard government infrastructure, particularly oil and gas facilities and other natural resources within their domain. He stressed the importance of periodic security meetings with the LGA Administrator to address emerging threats and harped on community-led security initiatives whereas the state’s security corps (Neighbourhood Watch) has remained dormant. He commended the people for orderliness.
Read also: Security: Rivers Solad charges paramilitary units to support security agencies in the state
Earlier, Barinedum Nwibere, a professor who is LGA boss, highlighted ongoing efforts to promote peace, including dialogues with traditional rulers and security agencies. He also outlined key interventions, such as active participation in polio vaccination campaigns to strengthen primary healthcare.
He mentioned plans to recruit ad-hoc teachers to improve education delivery. He also mentioned flood mitigation measures including community sensitization and drainage desilting, in response to NIMET’s flash flood warnings.
The monarch, Suanu Baridam, raised critical concerns, including the dilapidated state of schools in Khana, calling for urgent rehabilitation. He also mentioned encroachment by herdsmen, who he said have allegedly seized farmlands for grazing. He appealed for government intervention.
Another was inadequate police funding and manpower leading to delayed responses to security incidents.
For women, Rita Jumbo, speaking on behalf of Khana women, advocated for greater inclusion in empowerment programs, skills acquisition, and training opportunities to foster socio-economic growth.
On all these, the Solad reassured the people of Khana of his administration’s unwavering dedication to their security and well-being, urging sustained partnership between communities, security agencies, and government at all levels for a safer, more prosperous Rivers State.
