The Akwa Ibom State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring effective security along the State’s vast coastline.
This was disclosed by the State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, at the 35th Passing Out Parade of the Nigerian Navy Basic Training School in Onne, Rivers State on Saturday.
Represented by the Deputy Governor, Senator (Dr) Akon Eyakenyi, Pastor Eno said that the recently donated fourteen patrol gunboats to security agencies in the State underscores his administration’s readiness to partner with the various security agencies, including the Navy, to combat crimes in the waterways.
“The Akwa Ibom State Government is interested in checking crime along our coastlines. Akwa Ibom State is surrounded by water, so the state government recently donated fourteen gunboats to the Nigerian Navy and other security agencies, to assist them in ensuring the security of lives and property in our waterways.
“And for the first time, the Akwa Ibom State Government has established a Ministry of Internal Security led by a retired Brigadier General. That is another way the Governor is supporting the Security agencies”, he said.
Addressing the trainees, Governor Eno urged them to uphold the tenets of their training and represent the Navy well.
He encouraged them to utilize their skills and experiences to contribute to the fight against crimes affecting the country’s coastal regions.
On his part, the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawale, emphasized President Tinubu’s expectation of loyalty and patriotism from the trainees, urging them to develop their competency beyond the camp training.
While highlighting the importance of the training in enhancing the fight against oil bunkering, pipeline vandalism, human trafficking, and other maritime crimes within Nigeria’s territorial waters and the Gulf of Guinea, the Minister further admonished the trainees to adhere to the principles of the Nigerian Navy.
The event which featured the graduation of 1,486 Naval Officers, was attended by high-profile military chiefs and heads of other security formations across the nation.
The Governor was accompanied to the event by the Commissioner for Internal Security and Waterways, Brig. Gen. Koko Essien, Rtd, and the Permanent Secretary, Office of the Deputy Governor, Dr. (Mrs) Grace Jim.
