ESTABLISH NAVAL BASE IN IKOT ABASI -GOV. AKPABIO APPEALS

Akwa Ibom Governor, Chief Godswill O. Akpabio has called on Nigerian Navy to establish a Naval Base in Ikot Abasi Local Government Area to strengthen the security of the area.

Ikot Abasi Local Government Area, a riverine area hosting the multi-billion naira Aluminum Smelter Company of Nigeria (ALSCON) is now run by a Russian-owned UC Rusal.

Chief Akpabio, who made the call at a Gala Night organised for Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Abdulraman Dambazau and Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ishaya Ibrahim, said already government has earmarked land to donate for the take-off of the proposed naval base.

The Governor lamented that in recent times militants have threatened the peaceful nature of the State, and urged the military to assist in sacking the two militant hideouts located outside the state and identified by the state government.

He hinted that some militants from Bayelsa and Rivers States infiltrate the state, and appealed to naval officers to assist in policing Akwa Ibom waterfronts.

The State Chief Executive attributed the rise in criminal activities in the state to a ban on operations of motorcyclists in Rivers State, the dislocation which has resulted in a majority of them mainly of Akwa Ibom origin becoming jobless, reiterating government’s commitment to maintain peace and security among the citizenry.

Vice Admiral Ibrahim responding for his colleagues observed that Akwa Ibom is richly blessed with abundant human and natural resources.

He described Akwa Ibom waterfront and shoreline as being strategic and sensitive to the territorial integrity of the Country, and pledged their willingness to assist in ensuring safety of the people and in abating incursion of criminals into the state.

The Chief of Naval Staff who thanked the state government for its hospitality assured to communicate the government’s request for naval base to the Minister of Defence for consideration and approval.