Governor Udom Emmanuel has promised to continue partnering with security agencies to ensure the security of lives and property in Akwa Ibom State.
He said his administration is impressed with the commitment shown by security agents in the state and was ready to appreciate them by intervening in their well-being and welfare.
Governor Emmanuel stated this when he paid an unscheduled visit to the Wellington Bassey Barracks at Ibagwa, Abak Local Government area.
He said despite the responsibility of security being under the exclusive jurisdiction of the President of the country, he felt obliged to collaborate and bring out the best for the people of the state.
“We have only one country and also judging from what the security agencies are doing, we should also show appreciation, no tier of the Government can handle it all, so we must also collaborate and see how we can help one another.”
He said he was unimpressed by the condition of the Barracks, hence his promise to begin intervention work on the buildings during his last visit.
“I made this promise during the New Year TOMBOLA that they had here and we are seeing how we can redeem that pledge.”
Mr Emmanuel wondered why an intervention agency, on hearing his decision to embark on the intervention last week, decided to publish tenders for bid in the Newspapers.
“Immediately we spoke with the GOC last week that we were about commencing the renovation of some of the residential quarters here, I learnt some agencies of the Federal Government that had been there over the years, they never thought about this, rushed to publish a political tender yesterday in the Newspapers. That tender will be there till thy kingdom come, nothing will be done because how many have they done so far?”
He said his mission was also to improve on the quality of lives of pupils who make use of the school within the premises, as well as wives and officers that risk their lives to defend the country.
He said the project has been budgeted for and work will begin very soon.
He thanked the commanding officer of the Barracks for his support, explaining that, “you know you can only foster development if there is collaboration and I think he has been able to collaborate and partner with us in the area of security and welfare of the people here.”
“I just discussed with the Commander that if it is possible, every year, the State Government can come to be intervening, I mean bit by bit, gradually.”
The Governor was accompanied on the visit by the SSG, Dr Emmanuel Ekuwem, Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Charles Udoh, Commissioner for Special Duties/Aviation Development, Mr Akan Okon, that of Housing, Otuekong Raphael Bassey, and the Chairman of Abak Local Government Area, Barr Okon Williams.
UDOM STORMS IBAGWA BARRACKS WITH INTERVENTION SCHEME
