Rivers Terrain  Challenge To Security ~Amaechi

Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State has described the terrain of the state, as most challenging within the Niger Delta region and needs providing adequate security.

Governor Amaechi who gave this indication when the new Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Naval Command, Rear Admiral Benjamin Acholonu paid him a courtesy call at Government House, Port Harcourt, said the state has over 3000 creeks, which also aids criminals to escape undetected.

He explained that with such number of creeks, it becomes absolutely difficult for security operatives to effectively police the waterways but commended the security agencies especially the Navy for the efforts in checkmating the activities of pirates and other criminal elements along the coast.

The governor used the opportunity to thank President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua for the level of support the state has received in term of security, and hoped that some of the new Naval Boats expected in the country would be redeployed to the state.

Governor Amaechi assured the Navy that the State Government is prepared to assist them in the discharge of other duties in the state, particularly in the areas of logistics and congratulated the flag officer on his new appointment.

Earlier, the new Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Naval Command, Rear Admiral Benjamin Acholonu, said he was in the state to familiarize himself with units under his command, and to formally introduce himself to the governor.

Rear Admiral Acholonu, lauded the State Governor for his uncompromising stand in the fight against criminals in the state, and expressed satisfaction with the assistance to the security agencies in the state, especially the Navy.

He, however, solicited for continued support to the command, adding that soon the state command of the Navy would be receiving some boats to boost its operations inspite of reduction in crime wave along the waterways.

Amaechi Seeks Partnership With FHA Over More Housing Units

Rivers State Government says it is prepared to partner with the Federal Housing Authority (FHA), in the provision of more housing units for residents of the state.

Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi stated this yesterday when the Acting Managing Director of the Federal Housing Authority (FHA), Mr Jobe Jemide, paid him a courtesy visit at Government House, Port Harcourt.

Governor Amaechi said in seeking ways of partnering with the Federal Housing Authority, there was the need for discussions to fine-tune areas of cooperation and collaboration, noting that already some banks are partnering with the state government in its Public-Private Partnership arrangement in the housing sector.

He said apart from the First Bank partnership with the state in the 1000 units at the Rainbow Housing Estate, the state intends to build about 700 houses with all facilities for the middle class at the Ikoku area of Diobu.

The State Chief Executive, further explained that another area the Housing Authority may wish to partner with the state government could be in the Central Business District (CBD) area of the Greater Port Harcourt Town, where about 3000 housing units are expected in Phase I.

The Governor urged the FHA to meet with the Commissioners in charge of Housing, Lands as well as the Sole Authority of the Greater Port Harcourt City Development Authority, to identify areas of interest, and reassured them of the readiness to synergise with them in the development of the state.

Earlier, the Acting Managing Director of Federal Housing Authority (FHA), Mr Jube Jemide said he had noticed with happiness that a lot of development is taking place in the state under the Amaechi led administration, and commended the governor for the pragmatic steps to provide infrastructural facilities.

Mr Jemide said his establishment would want to identify with the positive developments in the state by partnering with them in the area of provision of houses for the people.