Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno who has expressed appreciation to the outgoing Service Commanders in the State, for their resoluteness and commitment in the discharge of their duties, saying that their sacrifices have made the State a safe haven for residents, tourists and teeming investors visiting the State for their businesses.
Governor Eno was addressing guests during the Send Forth Dinner and Gala Night organized by the State government in honour of the Outgoing Service Commanders, newly promoted officers and Senior military officers serving in the State at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Uyo.
The Governor assured that his administration is positioned to partner with the Security Operatives to checkmate criminality and sustain the peace being enjoyed in the State.
He therefore warned criminals and mischief makers hibernating in the State to stay off, stressing that it will be near impossible for them to carry out their nefarious operations in the state going forward.
Appreciating the Service Chiefs, Governor Eno announced the donation of parcels of land to the outgoing Service Chiefs, directing the Commissioner for Lands 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 carrier.
Earlier while setting the tone for the event, Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah, said that the event was organized to appreciate the service commanders for living above board in keeping the State safe. Speaking further, he acknowledged that Akwa Ibom gained its spot as the most peaceful State in the country because of the sacrifice of the Service Chiefs and thanked them for their meritorious services to the State.
On his part, the Outgoing Commissioner of Police, CP Olatoye Durosinmi, spoke in glowing terms of the State administration’s unwavering support to the security operative, 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 effort of the Federal government which has recently granted approval for mobile marine police operations.
Also Speaking, the Outgoing Commander 2 Brigade, Major General Ken Chibu, said that the Nigerian Military has witnessed the promotion and elevation of five senior officers who through their services in the God’s own State have been elevated to the enviable rank of Lieutenant General.
The event also featured the recognition and presentation of awards to the outgoing Service Chiefs namely; Major General Ken Chibu, Mohammed Kaumi, Air Commodore Oke Okpara, Navy Captain A. A. Iyabo, ACG Francisca Dakad, Rear Admiral E. Ebe, Rear Admiral A. Uko, Major General E. E. Ekpenyong, Major General W. B. Etuk amongst others.