As a reward for their respective roles in securing Akwa Ibom State, Governor Umo Eno, has appreciated the outgoing service commanders with lands and cash gifts.
He noted that their sacrifices had made the state safe for residents, tourists and investors.
Governor Eno spoke at the sendforth dinner and gala night organised by the state government for the outgoing service commanders, newly promoted officers and other senior military officers held at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Uyo, the state capital.
The governor promised that his administration is positioned to partner with security operatives to checkmate criminality and sustain the peace currently enjoyed in the state.
He, therefore, warned criminals and mischief makers hibernating in the state to stay off, stressing that it would be near impossible for them to carry out their nefarious operations in the state going forward.
“We would like to assure you that we will up our game, we will not lay down our guard. We will stop at nothing to ensure that this state is safe,” he stated.
While appreciating the service commanders, Governor Eno said; “Thank you for those long nights, thank you for allowing us to disturb your sleep, thank you for all your efforts, thank you for tolerating me, thank you for accommodating us, we will miss you. You have helped me find my feet on the ground in the past eight months.”
He announced the donation of parcels of land to the outgoing officers, directing the commissioner for lands, Capt, Iniobong Ekong (rtd), to grant waiver to all lands allotted the service commanders and used the occasion to particularly congratulate five indigenes of the state who have recently earned promotions in their military career.
In the same vein, secretary to the state government (SSG) Prince Enobong Uwah, said that the event was organised to appreciate the service commanders for living above board in the task of keeping the state safe.
“This event is put together to celebrate officers promoted and those leaving us. People who stay awake to protect us should be celebrated especially when they are awake. His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno said we should thank them for the work they have done in protecting us,” Uwah said.
Responding, the outgoing commissioner of police (CP) Olatoye Durosinmi, spoke in glowing terms of the state administration’s unwavering support to the security operatives, describing the creation of the Ministry of Internal Security and Waterways as a quantum leap in security management in the state.
Durosinmi acknowledged that the gesture has gone further to complement the efforts of the federal government which has recently granted approval for mobile marine police operations.
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