Odahiekwu Ogunde, Yenagoa
Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri has on Thursday promised to strengthen the state security outfit, code-named, Operation Doo Akpo, with modern equipment.
The governor said the move was part of his government’s strategic security efforts to sustain the peace and security in the state.
He spoke while receiving the South-South Zone Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Archbishop Israel Ege and his entourage in Government House, Yenagoa.
Commenting on the security situation in the country, he said the South-South governors met and directed that special advisers on security matters in the various states come up with strategies to secure the zone.
In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Daniel Alabrah, the governor reminded the zonal Christian leadership of the recent enactment of a law banning open grazing in the state and called on all to abide by the law.
He said: “As South-South governors, we met and have considered the level of insecurity in the country. We have directed Special Advisers on security in each of the states to meet and discuss how best to secure the zone.
“In our case, we inherited the Doo Akpo security outfit from my predecessor. As we speak, we are reinventing Doo Akpo to what it used to be. We would procure equipment and logistics for them to ensure that they become the best in Nigeria.
“About two weeks ago, we also signed a law banning open grazing in Bayelsa and we have put in place a committee to ensure that everyone abides by the laws of the state.”
While commending the CAN leadership for their relentless commitment and prayers for the state, Diri acknowledged their roles in the continuous spiritual re-awakening of the people.
The governor, who accepted to host the October CAN rally, also directed the Special Adviser on Religious Matters to liaise with the body to ascertain the level of renovation to be undertaken at its secretariat.
In his remarks, the South-South CAN Chairman, Archbishop Ege, said they were in the state to offer special prayers for the governor, his team, and the success of his administration.
He said Diri had performed well, particularly in the execution of projects and prompt payment of workers salaries and gratuities.
Bishop Ege also lauded the governor for his exemplary leadership and expressed gratitude to him for appointing members of the clergy into his cabinet.