Police dislodge vandals at Rivers’ Seaport,  say security of national assets key to sustainable blue economy

.As Anambra Police clarify ‘bloody clash’  with vigilante group over Senator Ifeanyi Uba’s burial

EMMANUEL NLEWEDUM, Port Harcourt and
Phil Okose, Onitsha

 

The Commissioner of Police in charge of the Eastern Ports in Rivers State, Mr Moshood Jimoh, says the security of national assets is key to a sustainable blue economy. He has therefore dislodged vandals at Rivers ports.

 

Jimoh stated this on Thursday in Port Harcourt, at a conference tagged ‘Advancing Global Logistics in the blue economy’ organized by the ‘Coalition of Maritime Journalists Association of Nigeria’ (COMJAN).

 

The conference was targeted at galvanising stakeholders’ collaboration in the preservation of the nation’s marine economy

 

Represented by his assistant, AC Remy Obirieze, the Commissioner said that the police in collaboration with sister agencies had recorded several arrests and prosecution of suspected criminals in connection with vandalism of port installations.

 

”We would continue to harness our strength as well as collaborate with other agencies to build a formidable force against vandals and criminal elements at our seaports,” he said.

 

Mr Mustapha Hashim, Area 1 Comptroller, Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) commended COMJAN for the conference which he said would further engender synergy amongst stakeholders.

 

Represented by his deputy, DC Ezenwa Ifeyinwa, the Comptroller said that the NCS would continue to build bridges between maritime business operators and policy makers to enhance the ease of business.

 

Mr Anselm Okechuku, Onne chapter Chairman, of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) also urged the federal government to focus on improving road infrastructures at the Eastern ports.

 

Describing the popular FOT roundabout linking the Onne port as a deathtrap, Okechuku called for urgent rehabilitation to curb mishaps.

 

He commended the Nigeria Customs Service for initiating seamless documentation procedures and urged the federal government to rehabilitate road networks at the ports to complement customs initiatives.

 

Earlier in his address, Mr Ralph John, COMJAN President urged the business community to begin to harness inherent potentials in the blue economy to enhance the nation’s GDP.

.As Anambra Police clarify ‘bloody clash’  with vigilante group over Senator Ifeanyi Uba’s burial

 

Anambra police command has confirmed and clarified the unexpected bloody shooting incident that took place on Wednesday at about 7:00 p. m. in Izuchukwu junction, Nnobi/Nnewi Road.

The command’s Public Relations Officer, (SP), Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the shooting incident saying that the local security operatives in the area mistook the police operatives as unfriendly forces and opened fire at them.

He, however, emphasised that the attack on the operatives was not from non state actors or any attempt to disrupt the burial of late Sen. Ifeanyi Ubah.

He explained that preliminary information showed that security operatives on investigation trailed a suspect to a security checkpoint before the gun duel ensued.

According to him, bullets hit the fuel tank of the Toyota Venza Sedan carrying the men, and it was unfortunately razed down.

“Two innocent passers-by were injured and taken to hospital. The Command sues for calm to allow for investigations into the incident.

“Meanwhile, Joint Security Forces have been deployed to ensure Nnewi is calm throughout the burial ceremony of the late senator who represented Anambra South in the red chamber.

As at the time of filing this report, palpable fear still gripped residents of the area sequel to ugly incidents that has happened recently in the town.