PASTOR UMO ENO RESTATES COMMITMENT TO PEACE AND SECURITY
Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno has reiterated the commitment of his administration towards sustaining the peace enjoyed in the State.
He made the pledge, Thursday at Essien Udim Local Government Area while flagging off Exercise Still Waters 111, an initiative of the Nigerian Army, designed to train security personnel in the State on the rudiments of joint operations in the conduct of internal security operations.
Speaking through the Deputy Governor, Senator (Dr) Akon Eyakenyi, the Governor described the exercise as a well -thought out security calculation, pledging to ensure Akwa Ibom State continues to enjoy its nationally recognized status as one of the most peaceful States in the nation.
He noted that the establishment of a full – fledged Ministry of Internal Security and Waterways headed by a retired Brigadier General was aimed at deepening the existing collaboration between the state government and security agencies, especially in the area of sharing intelligence.
“As you are already aware, we have established for the first time, a full- fledged Ministry of Internal Security and Waterways, headed by your retired colleague, Brigadier General Koko Essien.”
To eliminate the threats of cultism, insurgency, kidnapping and other security issues in the State, Pastor Umo Eno announced the intention of his administration to recruit over five thousand people across the State to form what he calls The Neighborhood Watch.
“We have concluded plans to recruit over five thousand people in the State to form the Neighborhood Watch, which is a grassroot based initiative.
“These people will provide human intelligence that will help us track and deal decisively with potential threats to public peace.” He announced.
Earlier in his welcome remarks, the Commander, 2 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Brigadier General KE Chigbu said the choice of Essien Udim Local Government Area as the operational base of the exercise was a response to the threat posed by the Indigenous People of Biafra in that area. He assured that other staging areas will be located in Oron, Ikot Ekpene, Ikot Abasi, Obot Akara, Ukanafun and Itu Local Government Areas from where security agents will patrol other parts of the State.
The event which featured a medical outreach was attended by the Commissioner of Internal Security and Waterways, Brigadier General Koko Essien (Rtd), Commissioner for Lands, Captain Iniobong Ekong (Rtd), Commissioner for Education, Mrs Idongesit Etiebet, Commissioner for Labour and Manpower Planning, Hon. Aniefiok Nkom and service commanders.
Media Unit
Office of the Deputy Governor.
12/10/2023
