The ongoing ‘Operation Crocodile Smile’ by the military in Akwa Ibom State has stemmed violent crimes including the activities of sea pirates and militants especially around the coastal communities of Ikot Abasi Local council.
Council Chairman, Mr David Eshiet told newsmen yesterday at Ikot Abasi that the military routine exercise which would last for two months, was already sending criminal elements in the area into hiding.
Eshiet, who commended Governor Udom Emmanuel, for investing in security of lives and property of residents, noted that “since the arrival of the soldiers, fishing and other maritime activities in the coastal areas of Ikot Abasi, have been carried out smoothly”.
“We use to have frequent cases of sea pirates disturbing our people, dispossessing them of boats, outboard engines, cash and marine resources.
“Militancy, armed robbery, kidnapping and cultism that used to be our nightmares, have given way to peace because the exercise has become enough deterrence measures to keep them away from crimes.
“That is why we have to commend governor Udom Emmanuel, for not playing politics with security and other physical development of the state since he was sworn in as our governor in 2015.” The chairman said.
He pointed out that the security measures put in place by the administration has gone a long way to make the state a safe haven for investors and for the industrialization framework to have a bearing.
“The state need effective security because the governor has embark on massive drive to reposition the state from its hitherto civil service state into an industrialized economy and that is why the enabling environment must be created for socio-economic activities to thrive for the betterment of the people.” He stressed.
According to him, series of interventions in various sectors of the state including agriculture, free education, road works, human capital development and empowerment as well as rural development have combined to redefine Akwa Ibom as a destination tourists and investors.
He, therefore, enjoined discerning residents of the state not to be engrossed with the sentiments of the political era, but to see Emmanuel on the prism of his performance in the last three years and be in the vanguard for his re-election in 2019, in line with equity, justice and fair play.
