Akwa Ibom gov: Nigerian security situation worrisome

Udom Emmanuel, governor of Akwa Ibom, says the high state of insecurity in the country is worrisome.

The governor, who stated this when he presided over the state executive council meeting on Monday, said the country’s economy cannot achieve growth and development without a safe environment for businesses and investments to thrive.

He sued for cooperation, support and prayers for the federal government and the country.

Emmanuel also charged the commissioner for health to ensure that the primary healthcare centers were functioning optimally to help provide health care services to rural populace.

The meeting, which had Exco members in attendance, received reports on the leasing of the Dakkada tower, Eket Urbanization, Power for All, Dakkada Estate, Ibom Plaza Remodelling, state of reconstructed hospitals, especially Ikot Abasi and Ikot Ekpene and the coconut refinery.

The governor directed that a strategic stakeholder meeting with all regulators and players critical to the execution of the Power for All initiative should be convened to assess the preparedness for the launch of the Power for All project.

The meeting also received the report from the citizens’ engagement forum on issues related to Ibom deep sea Port where it was reported that the twin issues of Name and Location change of the deep sea port were raised and discussed.

The governor directed that further consultations between government and Oron people on the matter be put in place.

The State Executive Council meeting also got progress report for Ibom Air Company Limited presented by the chairman of the board, Imo Jacob who was accompanied by Mfon Udom, the chief executive officer, chief operating Officer, George Oriese, group manager communications, Aniekan Essienette and the group manager, corporate services, Imelda Aba.

The council expressed appreciation of government to the company’s management over the “professionalism deployed in the management of the airline” even as the governor charged the company to consider the training of citizens as pilots and airline professionals.