Akwa Ibom Not Safe Haven For Illegal Migrants, Deputy Gov Tells UNHCR

Deputy governor of Akwa Ibom State, Dr Akon Eyakenyi, has assured the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) that Akwa Ibom State has no safe haven for illegal immigrants, but assured that the current administration has friendly disposition to foreigners doing legitimate businesses with valid documents.

According to Eyakenyi, the ARISE Agenda Blueprint of the present administration has an all-inclusive policy with no segregation in the provision of essential amenities including education, health insurance, and other social benefits.

She stated this at the Deputy Governor’s Lodge, Government House, Uyo, during a courtesy call by a delegation from the UNHCR.

Addressing the delegation, the Deputy Governor noted that while migration into nations, states, and communities would always occur, it is proper that migrants enter through legal means and uphold positive social values.

“While people will always migrate into nations, states, and communities, what is important is coming in the right way and being determined to be of good behaviour.”

While maintaining the government’s firm position against illegal migration, the Deputy Governor noted that official or authorized refugees and legal immigrants can contribute positively to society as useful citizens through economic activities when given opportunities and properly settled.

“What the government will always contend with are illegal immigrants with ill intentions. We will not tolerate disruptive immigrants who come to cause havoc and destruction,” she said.

She disclosed that, according to reports from the Nigerian Immigration Service during a courtesy visit to her office yesterday, 46 illegal immigrants were arrested and repatriated to their respective countries in the last two months.

The Deputy Governor called for sustained vigilance by relevant authorities and partners, including the UNHCR, to curb illegal immigration and activities that disrupt peaceful communities. She reaffirmed her office’s commitment to continued collaboration with the agency.

“Your office must continue to partner with relevant authorities to ensure compliance. My office will continue to partner and support UNHCR to ensure a better society for all,” she said.

Earlier, in her brief remarks, outgoing Head of Sub Office, Irene Omondi disclosed that the visit by the UNHCR provided an opportunity to discuss issues around curbing illegal migration, which was identified as potentially problematic for authorities, as well as to introduce the incoming Station Head, who will take over the responsibilities of the office.

She appreciated the Deputy Governor for her support, acknowledging the robust collaboration and support of the Akwa Ibom State Government through her office and the Ministry of Women Affairs.

Ms Omondi appealed for the same level of support to be extended to the new sub station chief.

In his remarks, the incoming Head of Sub Office, Alpha Oumar Barry, thanked the Deputy Governor for her support and guidance, which had been pivotal to discharging their duties. While appreciating the warm welcome, he pledged continued collaboration with the State Government to ensure a safe space for host communities as well as migrants.