Gov. Eno Celebrates Outgoing Service Commanders For Contributions To Peace, Security In A’Ibom
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, 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 on Wednesday night during the 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 governor assured that his administration is positioned to partner with the security operations to check 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.
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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 Commissioner for Lands, Capt. Iniobong Ekong rtd., to grant waivers 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 carrier.
Setting the tone for the event, Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah, said that the event was organised to appreciate the service commanders for living above board in 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,” he stated.
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Speaking further, the State Chief Scribe 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 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 for the security operations, 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.
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 God’s own state, have been elevated to the enviable rank of Lieutenant General.
The night, which climaxed with the recognition and presentation of awards to the outgoing service chiefs, namely 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, was spiced with performances, comedy shows, and other lighthearted entertainment to the delight of the guests.
