Governor Godswill Akpabio has declared Akwa Ibom unsafe for criminals, saying no criminal can survive too long in the state.
Chief Akpabio who statedthis Thursdaywhen the National Chairman of Association of Retired Officers of the Department of State Security Service, Mr. Amadu Udoh and his team paid him a courtesy visit at Governor’s Office, Uyo, further declared that the state is a no-go area for criminals.
He said apart from the activities of militants in the riverine areas, there is also reported insurgency of sea pirates responsible for crude oil theft, and charged unscrupulous elements to desist from such in the interest of peace and development of the state.
The Governor who pledged his continued partnership with the security chiefs in keeping the state safe, thanked the security chiefs for keeping the state more secure, donating an 18- seater bus to the body.
On the award of Grand Patron conferred on him by the association, Akpabio remarked “I must thank the association for the honor given to me today as the Grand patron of the association. I will be glad as the Grand Patron to assist in whatever way for the association to succeed. And I must also thank President Jonathan for the department of state services inspite of the security challenges for society can’t be free from crime. That’s why we have intelligent agents to cope with the crime”.
He dedicated the award to security chiefs in the state and remarked “Members of the association are well-trained and are patriotic Nigerians, without the sacrifice of the men in uniform, we won’t sleep with our two eyes closed. That is why I must thank u all for keeping the state safe. I must also congratulate all of you for serving the country and returning in good health”.
Also speaking, the National Chairman of the association, Mr. Udoh said that the honour bestowed on the Governor was to acknowledge his valued contributions to the country, and to appreciate him for his uncommon leadership style which has taken the people of the state to a greater height and has created a positive impact in the state.
Udoh said their visit was to demonstrate their total loyalty to a visionary leader and to applaud the Governor for his achievements to the state through quality projects that would serve as a legacy of his administration.
Mr. Mike Ejiofor, a one-time Director of State Security Service in Akwa Ibom, applauded Governor Akpabio for the massive road construction and high quality of massive infrastructure in the state.
Heemphasizedthat the development strides cannot be compared to others in otherstates, and urged him to continue his development strides in the state, soliciting the Governor’s continuous support to the association.