Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has appealed to the Nigeria police and Britain to back his resolve to secure lives and property in his domain buffeted by armed banditry and kidnapping on land and militancy and oil bunkering in the coasts.
He also wants British help with his drive for commercial agriculture aimed at creating jobs.
Wike made the appeal when British Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria, Ray Kyles, visited him at Government House, Port Harcourt.
“One of the key areas we need the support of the British government is security. We need collaboration to improve our security.
“So far, we have provided logistics support for the security agencies and enacted legislation to discourage kidnapping and other crimes,” he told Kyles.
He said the action taken by his administration has improved security with several investors returning to Rivers, but there is more to be done.
“I am also seeking support for our programme on commercial agriculture because of our blueprint to enhance job creation especially among youths and young graduates.”
He anticipates collaboration on education, oil and gas, and general development.
Kyles gave an assurance that his country will continue to partner with the state for its development, as Rivers is critical to the interests of the British government, especially as regards investment in the oil industry.
Wike also held a meeting with the state police command during which a security maintenance partnership strategy was worked out.
The agreement was reached when the new Police Commissioner, Musa Kumo, visited him at Government House.
Wike advocated that the recent gains in security should be consolidated to ensure good governance and the execution of projects.
He pledged that his administration will continue to support the security agencies, especially the police, in their quest to protect citizens.
Said he: “Without security, it will be impossible for us to execute projects as we are doing, because contractors would face the risk of kidnapping and armed robbery. Security is the cornerstone of good governance.
“We are now in the period of governance, no longer in the period of politicking. Therefore, we must cooperate to ensure that we further improve the security of Rivers State.”
Abuja alone cannot fund the police, Wike stressed, hence his administration is offering support to ensure the police work effectively in the state.
Kumo promised to build on the success of his predecessor, and urged the state government to continue to support the police with logistics.
