The Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to partner the Nigerian Air Force, NAF, towards enhancing security in the State, especially along the waterways.
Governor Eno, who made this known during a courtesy visit by a delegation led by the Air Officer Commanding, Mobility Command, Yenagoa, Air Vice Marshal Sunday Aneke, at the Government House, Uyo, commended NAF for its strategic collaboration with other security agencies in curbing insecurity, especially in states within the Mobility Command’s jurisdiction.
Governor Eno highlighting the State’s effort in maintaining security, stated that all 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.
Governor Eno acknowledged the cooperation and support of the Mobility Command to the State and thanking 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, appealing 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 adjourning 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.
Air Vice Marshal Aneke expressed NAF’s commitment to continue working closely with the State Government to ensure safety of lives and property in the State.
According to him ‘’My visit to Akwa Ibom State, as the 17th AOC of the Command, 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.‘’
‘’I thank the good 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, which I can say is one of the best Air Force schools in Nigeria, based on its numerous achievements and acolades.‘’
