Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has urged the Nigerian Army to establish an additional battalion in the coastal communities of the state, citing security concerns and the state’s strategic role as a leading oil producer.
The governor at the ongoing Combined 2nd and 3rd quarters edition of the 2024 Chief of Army Staff Conference in Uyo, the state capital, lauded the Army’s commitment to democracy and security, acknowledging the federal character in its hierarchy.
With Akwa Ibom being a leading oil producer in the country, Governor Eno emphasized the need for reinforced security measures to safeguard the state’s strategic assets and prevent potential threats to national security.
The Governor who had previously donated gunboats and patrol vehicles among other security measures, said the new battalion would reinforce the security architecture of the State.
He commended the synergy between the Army formations in the State and other security agencies, saying it was a major boost to the security of the state, assuring of the State Government’s readiness to lend all necessary support to enable the establishment of the proposed army base.
“It goes without saying that security is a key requirement for national development, and history has shown that one institution that plays and continues to play a key role in achieving security is the Army. It also remains a veritable tool for projecting the country’s national power.
“It is germane to note that for development to thrive, there must be security of lives and property. Therefore, as the Army of our great nation, your role in securing the nation is paramount, and the government is to do all that is possible to ensure that the Army is well equipped. That is why we created the Joint Maritime Task Force and procured and deployed 14 patrol boats in response to the littoral nature of our State and the threats posed by sea pirates, militants, and kidnappers within our waterways.
‘My administration will ever remain steadfast in assisting the Nigerian Army in achieving its goals in Akwa Ibom State and beyond.”
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, speaking earlier, commended the peaceful and hospitable ambience of the state, which, he affirmed, informed the choice of the state for the conference.
Lagbaja noted that the conference is usually hosted in Abuja, stressing that when taken outside Abuja, it is always to troubled spots, as a show of force, however, he said the case in Akwa Ibom was different as they were in the State to relax and discuss serious national security concerns.
He expressed the appreciation of the Nigerian Army to the Government and people of Akwa Ibom State for the infrastructural and logistic support extended to the 2 Brigade headquarters in the State, as well as the warm reception of his team to the State, assuring of the continuous commitment of the Army to exert itself in ensuring security and safety of citizens.
