State Police Is A Measure Capable Of Complementing Existing Federal Security Structures – Gov Eno

By Bassey Nkponam 
UYO
Governor Umo Eno has acknowledged that the proposed establishment of state police was one of the measures capable of complementing existing federal security structures by enhancing community-based policing and enabling quicker responses to local security challenges.
Eno, who bared his mind, Tuesday, while interacting with Government House correspondents shortly on his  arrival at the Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo, following his participation in official engagements, including meetings of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) and other national assignments, emphasised that sustained collaboration among the Federal Government, state governments, security agencies, traditional institutions, and citizens, as well as the proposed establishment of state police, remain critical to achieving lasting peace, safeguarding lives and property, and stimulating economic growth across the country.
He described peace and security as the indispensable foundation for national and sub-national development, stressing that no meaningful progress can be achieved in an atmosphere of insecurity and instability.
Reflecting on the outcome of the engagements, Eno said they provided an opportunity for governors to assess pressing national issues, and explore practical strategies for improving safety of lives and property across the nation.
He recalled that security featured prominently during the deliberations, with governors expressing a shared commitment to strengthening the nation’s security architecture through greater inter-governmental cooperation and institutional reforms.
“It was a productive engagement. We reviewed developments across the states, reflected on governance issues and discussed security, including state police, as well as other contemporary matters as the nation gradually approaches another election season”, he said, calling on Nigerians to demonstrate greater patriotism by supporting security agencies with credible information, promoting peaceful coexistence, and embracing values that foster national unity. 
According to him, security is a collective responsibility requiring the active participation of every citizen, irrespective of political, ethnic, or religious differences, disclosing that he attended to party responsibilities during the trip, including ensuring seamless processes relating to the collection and processing of INEC nomination forms for aspirants seeking elective offices. 
The governor expressed satisfaction with the orderly conduct of the exercise and reaffirmed the party’s commitment to transparent and credible internal processes.
He reiterated his administration’s commitment to purposeful leadership, and assured the people that his administration would continue to prioritise policies and programmes that promote peace, strengthen security, attract investment, and improve the welfare of the people.
The State chief executive officer maintained that Akwa Ibom would continue to play its role in supporting national initiatives aimed at fostering stability, deepening democratic governance, and creating an enabling environment for sustainable development, noting that peace and security remain the bedrock upon which every prosperous society is built.