Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to partner with the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) to enhance security in the State, especially along the waterways.
The Governor stated this while receiving a delegation from the Nigerian Air Force, led by the Air Officer Commanding (AOC), Mobility Command, Yenagoa, Air Vice Marshal Sunday Aneke, on a courtesy visit to his office at the Government House, Uyo.
Governor Eno commended NAF for its strategic collaboration with other security agencies in curbing insecurity, especially in states within the Mobility Command’s jurisdiction.
Highlighting the State’s effort in maintaining security, he said all the security agencies in the State, including units of the Nigerian Air Force, have been working collaboratively, adding that the synergy has enhanced the security of lives and property in the State.
“We welcome you warmly, first of all to Akwa Ibom, and as a visitor on your tour of duty to the State that is within your jurisdiction.
“We would like to celebrate the work that you have done already, and particularly in collaboration with the Air Force.
“As a State, we take security very seriously, and work with our security team. The Commander knows that we work as a team to ensure that we keep our people safe because it is the primary responsibility of any responsible government,” he stated.
He acknowledged and appreciated the cooperation and support of the Mobility Command to the State and also thanked the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, for his excellent, diligent, and professional service to the country.
The Governor said the only missing link in the State was the lack of air assets, which, according to him, was in the works.
He appealed for the continued support of the Force in clearing creeks and isolated islands of sea pirates and other criminals.
“The missing link that we had in the State had been the absence of air assets which, of course, by the grace of God, had been created now with a base in Eket.
“The State Government has already earmarked land for the adjoining barracks to show you the level of our cooperation. With that, we will be able to support air operations there so that we can continue to work together.
“We want to continue to count on the support of the Air Force in clearing our creeks and isolated islands of criminals and sea pirates,” he added.
Earlier in his address, Air Vice Marshal Aneke expressed gratitude to the Governor for the support, contribution, and collaboration the Command has enjoyed from the State Government.
He said the State and the Force have remained strategic partners for years, which, according to him, has yielded immeasurable peace and stability as well as economic growth for the State and its people.
He expressed the commitment of NAF to continue working closely with the State Government to ensure the safety of lives and property in the State.
His visit to Akwa Ibom State as the 17th AOC of the Command, he said, was in line with the Force’s long-held tradition to pay homage and respect to the owners of the land on assumption of office in a new domain.
He thanked the people of Akwa Ibom State for peacefully playing host to the Force since the establishment of the Nigerian Air Force Comprehensive Secondary School in 1999 in the State.
He described the school as one of the best Air Force schools in Nigeria, based on its numerous achievements.
Other members of the delegation included Air Commodore C.E. Illo, Commander 305 Special Mobility Group; Flight Lieutenant F.A. Chidozie, representative of the Commandant, Air Force Comprehensive Secondary School, Uyo; Flying Officer F.J. Musa; Flight Lieutenant J.G. Lar, Aide-de-Camp to the AOC; and Squadron Leader O.V. Okoroafor, Command Public Relations Officer.
Present during the visit were the Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah; the Executive Assistant/Chief Delivery Advisor to the Governor, Mr. Aniefiok Johnson; the Commissioner for Internal Security, General Koko Essien (rtd); the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, DIG Adeyemi Ogunjemilusi (rtd); and others.
