Rivers governor hails Tinubu for strengthening Nigeria's security institutions

Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has lauded President Bola Tinubu's administration for its commitment to strengthening Nigeria's security institutions and enhancing the nation's overall security architecture. Fubara made these remarks during the commissioning ceremony of a rehabilitated runway at the Nigerian Air Force Base in Port Harcourt.

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It is a great pleasure and a distinct honour to be here today at the Nigerian Air Force Base, Port Harcourt, for the commissioning of this rehabilitated runway. What we commission this day is more than concrete and asphalt. It is a statement of intent, a declaration that Rivers State stands firmly with those who stand guard over Nigeria.

The governor described the runway project as a "statement of intent," signifying the Rivers State Government's firm support for the Armed Forces. He noted that the collaboration between the state government and the Nigerian Air Force in rehabilitating the runway reflects a joint effort to address national security challenges. Fubara acknowledged the NAF as a crucial pillar of Nigeria's nationhood, recognizing the sacrifices made by its personnel in defending territorial integrity and protecting national assets.

Fubara specifically commended President Tinubu for providing leadership that reinforces the country's security framework. He emphasized that national security is not merely a priority but the fundamental basis for all other areas of development. "There can be no thriving economy without security," Fubara stated, underscoring the interconnectedness of security and economic progress.

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We recognise the Nigerian Air Force as one of the pillars upon which our nationhood rests, an institution whose men and women continue to make enormous sacrifices in defence of our territorial integrity, in the protection of our critical national assets, and in the pursuit of peace and stability across the length and breadth of this country.

The governor further highlighted the strategic importance of Rivers State, describing it as the heart of Nigeria's oil and gas industry. Consequently, he asserted that the security of Rivers State is intrinsically linked to the security of the entire nation. "The security of Rivers State is therefore inseparable from the security of Nigeria itself," Fubara added, pointing to the significant national implications of maintaining stability within the state.

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As Commander-in-Chief, Mr President has remained firm in his commitment to equipping and repositioning our security institutions, in the clear understanding that national security is not merely one item on the list of national priorities, it is the foundation upon which every other item rests. There can be no thriving economy without security.

Fubara's remarks underscore a perspective that views robust national security as a prerequisite for economic prosperity and overall national development, with a particular emphasis on the critical role of security in the oil-rich Niger Delta region.

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Rivers State occupies a strategic position in the economic life of this nation. As the heart of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, our communities, our waterways, our industries and our infrastructure carry a burden of national significance. The security of Rivers State is therefore inseparable from the security of Nigeria itself.