Partnership with Akwa Ibom Traditional Rulers crucial to NSCDC – Commandant
UYO
The Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Akwa Ibom State, Commandant Sulaiman Ibrahim Mafara has said a cordial relationship with the traditional institution would be crucial to his success at the helms of affairs of the corps.
Addressing the President General of the Akwa Ibom State Traditional Rulers Council and Paramount Rulers of respective Local Government Areas in Uyo when he paid a familiarization visit to the council, Commandant Marafa appealed for their prayers, cooperation and support.
“I’m here to formally present myself to you as fathers that I am sent to carry out the functions of the NSCDC in accordance with our mandate and core values of our organization which include respect and recognition of the traditional institution. I found it obviously necessary to come and pay homage today,” he said.
He continued, “For me to succeed, one is to align and relate with the traditional institution as you are the custodian of the culture. Any individual or organization that wants to succeed must solicit for your support. Always pray for me and my office, recognize me as one of your son’s, give me access to reach you whenever the need arises.”
The Commandant also appealed to the traditional rulers to use their closeness to communities to promote national interests and to support all security agencies in the fight against crime.
Related: Akwa Ibom Traditional Rulers Council To Partner Police in Crime-fighting
He said honest and patriotic involvement was important in identifying individual differences and prioritisation of national goals.
Paramount Rulers took turns to list various security challenges in their respective domains and promised to convey the information to the NSCDC in an official document.
Reacting to the deliberations, President General, Akwa Ibom State Traditional Rulers Council and Oku Ibom Ibibio, His Eminence, Ntenyin (Dr.) Solomon Daniel Etuk welcomed the Commandant and said the council is ready to work closely with him.
“We have adopted you as our son; I want you to feel free to work with Paramount Rulers throughout the state to maintain peace and order. I see no reason why we should not collaborate with your organization,” the Oku Ibom Ibibio assured.
Summarizing security concerns raised by respective paramount rulers, Ntenyin Etuk urged the NSCDC to liaise with sister security agencies in tackling sea piracy, communal clashes, cult clashes and other challenges.
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The NSCDC Commandant was advised to always visit palaces of traditional rulers to receive confidential information, stressing that certain information can be discussed at an event such as the familiarization visit.
The Commandant was accompanied by the Deputy Commandant, Udim Sunday Essie; Head of Training, Shehu Zariwa; Public Relations Officer, Ekerette Friday; and Protocol Officer to the Commandant, Udo Uduak Francis.
The event was attended by Paramount Rulers from the 31 Local Government Areas of the state.
