By Mfonobong UKPONG
Speaker of Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Barrister Onofiok Luke, has commended the Akwa Ibom State Command of the Nigerian Immigration Service for establishing a good working relationship with Akwa Ibom State government.
He has equally hailed the leadership of Immigration Service in the state for the achievements and innovation recorded by the service under the leadership of the new Comptroller of the service, CSI Livingstone Amadi. Luke gave the commendation, Monday when he played host to the State Comptroller of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Livingstone Amadi and members of his team at the House of Assembly. He assured that the sixth Assembly will give the service the necessary support.
“The Command under your leadership has been able to establish a good working relationship with Akwa Ibom State Government, unlike in some states and instances where most federal agencies are in logger heads with the state government. Let me commend your leadership of the command for the achievements and innovation that you have brought into the command”.
Barr Luke urged the state command of the NIS to double its effort in cooperating with the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, NAPIP, to stamp out child trafficking in the state.
“I want to urge you to double your efforts in cooperating with NAPTIP to make sure we break that hydra headed problem. We must put more effort in prevention”.
In his advice to parents and care givers in the state, Luke said “No matter the situation, you don’t need to sell your child into slavery. I want to urge you (NIS) to support NAPTIP”.
He also charged the NIS which is part of the security architecture of the state to partner other security agencies in tackling the security challenges witnessed in Etim-Ekpo, Ukanafun and environs.
“You are part of the security architecture in our state. It is sad the kind of news we are receiving from Etim-Ekpo. You can gather and share intelligence with other security services”.
Worried by the current security challenges facing the nation, Speaker Luke reechoed the need for President Muhammadu Buhari and security chiefs to adopt bipartisan approach in tackling the ugly development.
“We need a bipartisan approach to solve the problem of Nigeria. We are in trying times as a nation. The reality is starring us at the face. We will not find solution to our problems if we continue to live in denial. We are facing economic and security challenges,(unemployment and herdsmen and farmers clash). We should do away with clannish sentiment, parochialism even in the security agencies”.
“There is crisis even within the security agencies. A time has come that we need to be patriotic”.
Earlier in his speech, the Comptroller of Immigration in the state, Comptroller Amadi said he and his men where in the Assembly to keep the Speaker abreast of the cardinal functions, activities as well as the achievements of the NIS under his watch in the state. He said Akwa Ibom State has the longest coastline in Nigeria spanning from Ibeno to Oron to Ibaka, Ebughu, Adadia and Nwaniba.
He said the command was poised to ensure that all the entry routes to the state are beefed up to prevent illegal migrants from invading the state.
“Akwa Ibom State has direct link with the Republic of Cameron. Since i came on board six months ago, i have toured the length and breadth of the 31 local government areas in the state. Akwa Ibom State has the longest coastline in Nigeria. During my visit to the Governor, i promised to ensure that these routes are beefed up to prevent illegal migrants from coming in”.
We are going to ensure that illegal migrants do not participate in our electoral process”.
In attendance during the courtesy call were, the member representing Etinan, Hon. Barr. Aniefiok Dennis, member for Ukanafun, Hon. Otobong Jonathan, Clerk of the the House, Mrs Mandu Umoren, the Divisional Police Officer in charge of the state House of Assembly and other service chiefs attached to the Assembly.
The Immigration boss was accompanied by Deputy Comptroller in charge of Visa and Residency, Enobong Udo, Assistant Comptroller, G. Ogunlaya, Mr Chucks and the PRO, I. J. Nsikan Obong.
