Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has faulted soldiers of the Nigerian Army of attacking contractors handling projects of the state government.
He said military personnel have been the one causing problem especially in Ahoada-East and Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni local government areas of the state.
The goveenor said soldiers were the one covering up their involvement in illegal bunkering of petroleum products in the aforementioned two local government areas.
Speaking to journalists yesterday when the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Lagbaja visited the government house, Fubara said the suspected officers were attached to a particular company in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni local government area.
In his words:“One special problem we have here is issue of bunkering. In some parts of the state, in Ahoada-East and Ogba/Egbema)Ndoni, most of the bunkering activities there we believe is subsisting because there is this cooperation between the army and top oil companies.
“I’m saying this because there is this road we are constructing somewhere in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni and each time the contractor approaches this particular company and plead that they allow them go ahead with our job, the military will always come and attack our contractors.”
Fubara, who buttressed how he had tried to resolve the problem without success because of the vested interest the officers have, urged Lagbaja to call them to order.
He said: “Carrying out some assignments with any company does not give any person power to decide for the state how things should be done. Look into the matter,” the governor added.
The governor however applauded the Nigerian Army and other security agencies in their effort to maintain peace and security across the state.
Responding, Lt. General Lagbaja said he was in the State Capital as part of visits to formations and units under his jurisdiction following his assumption of office.
The Army boss thanked Fubara for the continuous support, intervention and cooperation with the army.
