As a reward for their respective roles in securing Akwa Ibom Ibom State, Governor Umo Eno has appreciated the outgoing Service Commanders in the State with land and cash gifts for their resoluteness and commitment in the discharge of their duties, noting that their sacrifices have made the state a safe haven for residents, tourists and investors.
Governor Eno disclosed the appreciation while addressing guests on Wednesday night at a Send-Forth Dinner and Gala Night organised by the State government in honour of 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 assured that his administration was 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 activities in the state going forward.
“We would like to assure you that we will up our game, we will not let down our guard. We will stop at nothing to ensure that this state is safe,” he stated.
Appreciating the Service Chiefs, 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 Service Chiefs, directing the State’s Commissioner for Lands, Capt. Iniobong Ekong (rtd), to grant waiver to all lands allotted to 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 explained.
He acknowledged that Akwa Ibom gained its spot as the most peaceful state in the country because of the sacrifices of the Service Chiefs and thanked them for their meritorious services while serving in the state.
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 Ministry of Internal Security and Waterways as a quantum leap in security management in the state.
CP 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.
Also, 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 state have been elevated to the enviable rank of Lieutenant General.
LEADERSHIP reports that the night was climaxed with the recognition and presentation of awards to the outgoing Service Chiefs, which include; Major General Ken Chibu, Mr. Mohammed Kaumi, Air Commodore Oke Okpara, Navy Captain A. A. Iyabo, ACG Francisca Dakat, Rear Admiral E. Ebe, Rear Admiral A. Uko, Major General E. E. Ekpenyong, and Major General W. B. Etuk, amongst others.