By Bassey Nkponam
UYO
The governor of Akwa Ibom Statehas said the presence of the Nigeria Air Force in the state will complement the overall security architecture of the State, as he pledged to support the force in the establishment of their base in Akwa Ibom.
Pastor Umo Eno, who stated this, Thursday, during a courtesy call on him by a delegation of indigenous Police Cadets which took place at Government House, Uyo, led by Air Commodore A. H. Idris, as part of their working visit to the state, said government was committed to ensuring peace and security in the state, and assured the Nigeria Air Force (NAF) of his administration’s readiness to give the necessary support to enable it establish an operational base in the State.
Eno said the State was committed to ensuring peace and security, adding that the presence of the Air Force will complement the overall security architecture of the State.
He noted that the State had enjoyed the presence of the Nigeria Army and Navy, with only a skeletal presence of the Nigeria Air Force, and appreciated the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, for choosing to have a base in Akwa Ibom.
The leader of the team, Air Commodore A. H. Idris, said the visit was to solicit government’s support to take over the Eket Air Strip for their Base.
According to him, the base when established, will serve as a forward operating base to extend air power for national security, protection of territorial integrity, critical oil assets as well as support the drive to promote a thriving blue economy.
Other members of the delegation were Air Cdre C. E. Illoh, Group Captain A. K Oyong, Group Captain H.I. Eze, Group Captain M. Yahaya, Group Captain M.H. Akpan, Squadron Leader A. Abdulsalam, and Squadron Leader E. E. Francis.
Governor Eno later played host to the Nigerian Police Force cadets from Akwa Ibom State who were in his office on a courtesy visit, during which he congratulated them and charged them to remain good ambassadors of the State.
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