Governor Peter Mbah.
By Ike Ohakwe – Abuja.
To end hoodlum attacks, and killings in Enugu state in the South-East Nigeria, the governor, Peter Mbah, has partnered with the Nigeria Navy to provide security along the coastal areas in the state.
The governor disclosed this to newsmen when the Chief of the Naval Staff, Emmanuel Ogalla, visited him at the government house in Enugu state.
It was said that among the oldest seaport used by colonial masters was that of the river around Uzo-Uwani Council Area of Enugu state, which was given as part of the reason for the establishment of a navy base in Enugu state to protect investment in that axis.
According to the Chief of Naval Staff, he said: “The Nigerian navy has three primary roles, which are first, the military duties, being the protection of this country’s territorial integrity and sovereignty from the maritime domain. We have policing roles as well as diplomatic roles.
“We have noticed that within this role of policing duties, we have not extended our functions to Enugu State, and we want to do that with your support.”
“To this end, we plan to extend our operations to encompass and cover the broader spectrum of Enugu State, knowing that the state has a navigable river around Uzo-Uwani (Council Area). That river used to be a seaport during the colonial era, and it has been abandoned. We believe that if we can police that area, it will give assurances to investors, who will now invest in the development of that seaway for the benefit of the people of Enugu State,” Mr. Ogalla said.
Corroborating, Governor Mbah, started by saying: “The appointment of the navy chief is something of immense value and significance, not just to the people of Enugu State, but to the Southeast-east region.
“So, I am happy that the naval chief committed today (Thursday) that the navy will establish an operational base in Enugu State. This is heartwarming for us, as this will support the fight against insecurity in Enugu, especially at that flank of our state.”
“I want to assure you, on behalf of the government of Enugu State, that we are going to support you with all that is required to ensure the actualization of your operational base,” Mbah said.
