Gov Ifranyi Okowa: ‘Sea piracy has reduced in Delta State’

Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State has pledged his government’s continued partnership with the military and other security agencies to ensure peace and order in the state.

Okowa made the pledge on Wednesday, September 9, 2020 when Maj.-Gen. Olubunmi Irefin, the new General Officer Commanding (GOC), 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Port-Harcourt, visited him at Government House, Asaba.

He charged the army to sustain the current peace and security in the Niger Delta, adding that the Delta government has enjoyed a robust relationship with security agencies.

According to Okowa, the partnership between the state and security agencies has helped to ensure peace and security of lives and property and has also made Delta an investors’ destination.

“We are happy that sea piracy has reduced in Delta and we pledge the support of the South-South states to ensure protection of oil installations in the region.

“I assure you of our cooperation at all times because we have had very warm working relations with the division since inception.

“The military and other security agencies have worked quite a lot with us to ensure peace within the state. There is still a lot to be done but we have done quite a lot,” he said.

The governor commended the army formations for cooperating with other security agencies to ensure peace in the Niger Delta.

“I appreciate your division, the brigade and other military formations for all your efforts in ensuring peace and security in the entire Niger Delta.

“Sea piracy is still there, but it has largely reduced in Delta and we will continue to work hard and provide the needed support because when there is a perfect working relationship, to support becomes easier.

“Information sharing is necessary to secure our state, and here in Delta, community conflicts are stepped into as quickly as possible because of the various peace mechanisms we have put in place.

“We have had a very good working relationship and we hope to continue in that direction,” he said.

The GOC said that he was in Delta to familiarise himself with the government and people of the state.

He also commended the governor for the tremendous support he has given to 63 Brigade as well as the level of peace and security in the state.

Vandals resurface at Lagos ports as dealers lament

Lekki Deep Sea Port

Scores of vandals also known as “wharf rats” have resurfaced at the Tin-Can Port Complex in Lagos, clearing agents have said.

The vandals are said to hang around areas where imported cars are parked at the terminals.

The agents said the vandals work as a team to remove vehicle parts like side-mirrors, headlamps, brain-box, among other components, in spite of the presence of security operatives.

Abdul Sabaru, a Customs agent said not all those seen at the terminals were clearing agents. “Operators, as well as officials of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), should beef up security because it is becoming an embarrassing situation,” he advised.

A vehicle importer, David Okanlawon, said his imported vehicle of March 2020 was pilfered inside the PTML terminal.

Public Relations Officer, PTML Chapter of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Clearing Agent (ANLCA), Ayo Sulaiman, confirmed this.

“The wharf rats that were once defeated at the seaports have returned. We are currently collating the lists of burgled vehicles to present to Grimaldi shipping, operator of the PTML Terminal because this has to stop,” Sulaiman said.

Managing Director of PTML Terminal, Mr Ascanio Russo said over 10,000 vehicles were being received.

“We believe we offer superior service to our clients. At the same time we cannot exclude that in some rare occasions, some pilferage may happen. In such cases, we always indemnify our customers once it is proven that the pilferage happened when the vehicle is in our care,” Russo said.

Source: Daily Trust