The acting Assistant Inspector General of police (AIG) Maritime, Commissioner of police (CP) Anderson Bankole has assured the organised and registered members of the Dredgers Association of Nigeria of support and protection in the discharge of their legitimate activities and businesses.
In a
response to the requests of the executive members of the association during a
familiarization visit to the marine force headquarters annex office
in Obalende, Lagos, CP Bankole commended the association for doing their
business within the armbit of the law, assuring that the marine police will do
all within its constitutional powers to their businesses and life of their
workers.
"We
will join you to profile the legitimate activities of registered operators and
will work with you to rid the sector of illegal dredgers and other fly by night
operators who are out to put others at risk." CP Bankole further
explained, adding" I think we shall do more of intelligence gathering in
this aspect and my years as an intelligence operative will be generously
applied to bring about needed changes and also bring succour and climate of
secured enabling environment to the benefits of the maritime sector.
He
sought sustainable support from all groups noting that stakeholders in
the sector will no longer be harassed and all security issues regarding
the waterways will henceforth be addressed by the Office AIG, Maritime.
Speaking
earlier, President Dredgers Association, Mr Batari Akpomejero, disclosed that
registered operators contribute about 35 percent to gainful economic activities
in Nigeria, particularly in Lagos and wondered why they are hounded daily
by all manners of persons and government officials.
" We
are very sad about the daily harassment to our businesses, attacks and bodily
harm to our workers, theft and destruction visited on our
equipment."
Mr
Akpomejero who spoke through the secretary of the association, Mr Richard Ntan,
noted incessant attacks are becoming unbearable and urged the Marine
Police leadership to intervene.
"We
shall be happy to work with you, to help profile the sector, interact through
security workshops and seminars and assist the marine police with intelligence
reports where necessary.
"We are happy and ready to work with you to stamp out the growing
incidents of thefts and sundry crime against our business without which the
development and growth of economy and infrastructure advancement will be
greatly affected. Our Association is on top this game and will continue to
collaborate with federal government and states authorities to ensure the
Waterways and sand mining are carried out according to global
standards, Mr Akpomejero further stated.
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