Ndifreke AKPAN
Governor Udom Emmanuel has lauded the collaborative efforts of the Nigeria Police and other security agencies in the state for the peace currently enjoyed in the state.
The Governor, who made this known during annual get-together ceremony of officers of the State Command in Uyo, maintained that the harmonious relationship between various sections of the Police Command in the state has made the Akwa Ibom a safe haven for investors and contractor, adding that it would have been otherwise but for the commitment and dedication of the agencies, considering the number of projects executed in the state.
Mr. Emmanuel while speaking at the annual end-of-year get together ceremony of officers of the state command of the Nigeria Police in Uyo, said with their number, they set the pace in internal security operations.
The Governor commended the Police for their role in maintaining security in the state and added that their numbers, over 8000, has set the pace in internal security and also made it a reality.
Describing the Nigeria Police Force as strategic partner in the Akwa Ibom project, Governor Emmanuel wondered how contractors and investors would have executed all the laudable projects recorded, if the state was under threats of insecurity.
The Governor recounted how he had visited the police to reiterate the importance of security of voters during the election and expressed satisfaction with the efforts of the police that led to the success of the exercise held last December.
In his words, “If you do think the police is not your friend, let them be off duty for two hours and let me see whether you will be able to go to the farm or the market. I want to thank you for helping us conduct a peaceful election. It is the most difficult election where a lot of people usually lose their lives, but we finished and no life was lost. If you wake up in the morning and there is insecurity, the law allows you to cancel it as a Governor. The way you people maintained peace, order and remained non-partisan, gave us room to actually conduct a very peaceful election.”
Earlier the State Commissioner for Police, Mr. Adeyemi Ogunjemilusi, said though the year 2017 was characterized by pockets of attempts by criminal elements to truncate the peace and security in the state, officers and men of the Command were able to coordinate and collaborate with other agencies to maintain law, order and public security.
He thanked the Governor for his support to the State Command, but sought for more interventions through the provision of more operational vehicles, improved communication, funding and construction and equipping of more police stations.
