By Ogenyi Ogenyi,Uyo
Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom have warned criminal elements operating in the state not to test the resolve of his administration in dealing ruthlessly with any act meant to sabotage security of lives and property.
This followed a recent upsurge of ritual like murders in various parts of the state, the latest being a lady who was dumped in a bag along Nwaniba road in Uyo with the upper part of her body missing.
Eno gave the warning yesterday in Uyo while responding to a few isolated cases of reported security infractions in the state at a gala to celebrate service commanders in the state who have been transferred to other states and newly promoted Generals in the military from Akwa Ibom.
The governor expressed dismay that,“in the few days of transition of Service Commanders, there have been attempts to test our resolve in the area of security. I want to assure Akwaibomite that this State is safe and secure.
“We will stop at nothing in ensuring the safety of our people. We are drawing up a new security architecture for the state and in the next few months, you will see the results and how serious we are.
“ So if criminals believe that Akwa Ibom State is a place for them to hibernate, I am warning them now that they will find this state too hot for them to stay. We have credible intelligence that some in our society, those living among us, are giving support, aid and comfort to these criminal elements just to upturn the peace in our state and use it as a narrative.
“Let me say this emphatically and to assure our people that no matter how highly placed such an individual may be, such an individual will not be spared. We will mention your name and call you out. We will come after you. We will use every layer of intelligence available to track you, we are on top of this game, so be warned.”
He thanked the outgoing Service Commanders for their service to the state saying that, “ I know this has been a season of transfers and promotions. I want to thank you for those long nights; thank you for allowing us to disturb your sleep. We thank you for your friendship, the synergy between the security services. We are deeply grateful and we will miss you, but we are assured in the belief that Akwa Ibom State will always hold a special place in your hearts.
In their separate remarks, the outgoing Commissioner of Police, AIG Olatoye Durosinmi, outgoing Commander of 2 Brigade, Major General Ken Chigbu and one of the newly promoted sons of Akwa Ibom State, Rear Admiral Ebe, appreciated the Governor and the State for the gesture and assured that it would motivate them to do more for the state and the nation in general.
In attendance at the event among others were, the Immediate past Commander of the 2 Brigade, Major General Ken Chigbu, AIG Olatoye Durosinmi, immediate past State Director of the DSS, Mohammed Modibbo Kaumi, Air Commodore Okey Okpara, ACG Francisca Dakar and Navy Captain Yahu.
Among the newly promoted Generals from Akwa Ibom State were Major Generals W. B Etuk, V. Emah, E.E. Ekpenyong, Rear Admirals E. Ebe and A. Uko.
