Gov Eno Reaffirms Commitment to Partnering Nigerian Navy on National Assets Security

Gov Eno Reaffirms Commitment to Partnering Nigerian Navy on National Assets Security

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno has reiterated his administration’s commitment to partner the Nigerian Navy in providing adequate security to key critical national assets in the State.

The Governor stated this when he exchanged views with the new Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Ibbas who was on a courtesy visit at Government House, Uyo.

He congratulated Ibbas for his recent appointment and commended him for his meritorious service to the country.

Governor Eno appreciated the Naval boss for extending the courtesy of paying homage to his office before embarking on his official assignment, describing the visit as not only a great honour to the State but a reflection of the good working relationship existing between the Nigerian Navy and the State government under his watch.

He described Vice Admiral Ibbas’s recent appointment as well deserved, saying It was a strategic security move to reposition the country for future greatness, especially as the country was having some security challenges.

He appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the appointment, and pledged his commitment to collaborate and continually strengthen partnership with the Nigerian Navy to protect lives and property, as well as critical national assets in the State.

“You have come on board at a very critical time in our nation’s history. The security challenges we are facing now are enormous, and we want to thank the President for finding you fit to drive the security apparatus in the Nigerian Navy and protect the maritime structure in the country.

“We work in sync with our security agencies here in Akwa Ibom. Collaboratively, we have had tremendous successes that have kept the State at peace, and we will continue to ensure that we are vigilant,” he stated.

Highlighting the critical maritime challenges in the State, Eno solicited collaboration and intensified effort for the protection of the State’s maritime assets, noting that Akwa Ibom has the longest coastline in Nigeria and in West Africa, hence the need for a base or an outpost to help in tackling the challenges.

“I want to thank the Flag Officer Commanding for helping us to push our request because a naval base or outpost will really help protect our maritime assets.

“We have companies coming in like BUA refinery, the QIT base is there and others will come. So they need that protection. We have identified the site, and I am ready to issue a Certificate of Occupancy as quickly as possible,” he said.

The Governor reaffirmed his administration’s readiness to collaborate, support and strengthen its long-standing relationship with the Nigerian Navy, while helping them carry out their duties effectively.

Earlier in his remarks, the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Ibbas
thanked the Governor for the warm reception accorded him during the visit.

He said that his visit was to pay homage and register his presence before embarking on the official operation tour which is the purpose of his visit to the State.

Prompted by the current security challenges in the country, he said his mission in Akwa Ibom was to gather firsthand information about the operational capability of all units and formations in the State, to enable him understand their operational conditions and challenges in order to proffer adequate solution.

He thanked the Governor for his administration’s support and collaboration with the Nigeria Navy in the State.

Ibbas described Akwa Ibom as one of the most critical states, blessed with abundant natural resources and quality oil infrastructure which the economy of the nation relies on, stressing that it was his responsibility to ensure their protection and safety.

The Naval boss called for more collaboration between the State Government and the Nigeria Navy to ensure the safety of those assets against vandals and economic saboteurs.