A’Ibom Govt Partners Nigerian Navy To Curb Insecurity On Waterways

By Bassey Nkponam
UYO
In his effort to curb insecurity in Akwa Ibom waterways, the State government is partnering the Nigerian Navy to provide security in the State waterways.
Pastor Umo Eno who, stated this, Thursday, while reacting to a question on the arrangement put in place to ensure security in the waterways, raised during the 2nd anniversary media dialogue with Journalists in the State, which took place at Akpan Isemin Hall, Government House, Uyo, said while government was building all the maritime space, it was also working with the Nigerian Navy to provide security in Akwa Ibom waterways. 
Eno explained that government has entered into an agreement with the Navy to support marine transportation in the State and beyond and was also working in synergy with them to ensure a 24/7 security on our waterways with plans of building bases in Calabar and Oron to keep the route safe.
According to him, government intends to provide them with additional Gunboats and Patrol boats that will be stationed on the water to ensure a 24/7 security in addition to the Naval Base in Calabar and Oron. 
Eno made known that approval for the State’s partnership with the Navy was given by the Chief of Naval Staff, adding that this effort is to ensure safe ride on the waters when the ferry transportation commences.
The governor recalled that since he came on board, he has taken the issue of insecurity seriously as shown in his administration’s partnership with other security agencies in the State, providing them with gunboats, patrol vehicles, and empowering them to perform their duties effectively. 
This effort, he acknowledged, has led to the reduction of criminality to the barest minimum in the State, adding that the crime database of Akwa Ibom indicates that the State still remains one of the safest in the country. 
The State chief executive officer thanked all the security agencies for the job they are doing, and for working in synergy to ensure a crime-free State. 
According to Eno, “We don’t see insecurity as a problem in the State. Don’t forget that we have a full fledged Ministry of Security and Waterways”. He applauded the commissioner in charge of the Ministry, General Koko Essien (rtd) for the work he is doing to ensure security in the State’s waterways. 
Eno thanked God for keeping the State vibrant in the last two years, and his team for interpreting the vision of his administration. 
“If we have succeeded at all, two reasons. One, the grace of God and his faithfulness. Two, we have the right team in place. That’s how I’m surrounding myself with members of my first eleven. I call them that because they are the ones that make these things happen and we work through them. They are the ones interpreting the vision. And so, if we have succeeded, it’s been a team work”. 
The State chief executive officer acknowledged the support from Akwa Ibom people who, he recalled, gave him the mandate to serve them as governor, saying, “it’s been two years of learning and discovery for me”.