Leyoo Ajeokun
Governor of Rivers state, Siminalayi Fubara has called for meaningful partnership with the Nigerian Airforce in the fight against economic sabotage, criminal damage of pipelines and theft through illegal bunkering of petroleum products.
Governor Fubara charged the Nigerian Airforce on the task when he received on courtesy visit the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Bala Abubakar at the Government House in Port Harcourt on Wednesday.
Fubara noted the dire situation in which the national economy was immersed with Nigerians facing difficult times in their attempt to cope with the challenges and said the Nigerian Airforce cannot leave the fight against economic saboteurs to the navy or the government alone.
He sued for an effective synergy and collaboration among all the security agencies to work with the state government in identifying, chasing and arresting those criminal elements on land, sea and air who sabotage the national economy and ensure that they are prosecuted
I want to tell you, the entire Airforce, that we are having a difficult time in this country, so try as much as you can to see what you can do, we are ready to work with you to reduce economic sabotage. Illegal bunkering is a big issue and it is something not to leave in the hands of the navy or the Army, but everybody needs to work together,” he said.
Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Bala Abubakar in response said he was in the state to inspect facilities at 115 Special Operations Group and also interact with the Airforce personnel.
He commended Governor Fubara for sustaining the relationship between the state government and the Airforce, prioritizing issues of education and youth empowerment that will reduce security challenges.