Governor of Cross River State, Bassey Edet Otu, has reiterated his commitment to ensure the safety of Cross Riverians and residents of the state.
He described security as panacea for socio-economic growth and development of any society, maintaining that his administration will continue to work closely with security agencies in order to ensure effective policing of the state.
A statement from the Government House Press, Calabar, stated that the governor made this known at a dinner organized in honour of outgoing service commanders in the state.
The statement quoted the governor as saying, “Today’s occasion is to honour gentlemen who have served this state meritoriously. It is a big pride to wear the colours of our military. Once you accept to do so, you put your life in constant danger. Today, the gentlemen we are honoring have continuously put lives in great danger over the years to ensure that Cross Riverians and residents have a good sleep.
“I want to openly apologize to them and say that I am sorry for the disturbance by way of late night calls, meetings and so on, even at odd hours, whenever there was an incident of insecurity anywhere in the state. I did that just to ensure that our people could sleep with their two eyes closed.
“I must say that I am very proud of these officers. Because, whether the problem was in Obanliku or Bakassi, anytime I called them, they were always there to do their best to ensure that the security situation was brought under control. I am so proud of the level of bond and cordiality that exists among the service commanders.”
The governor used the occasion to wish the officers well, while assuring them of his administration’s willingness to continue to support their various state commands.
Responding on behalf of his colleagues, outgoing Commander of the Nigerian Army, 13 Brigade, Major-General E I Okoro expressed appreciation to the governor for the support and wonderful working relationship he enjoyed during his stay in the state.
He said, “This honour is a testimony of not just the good relationship we have enjoyed, but also of the premium that the governor places on the security of all Cross Riverians.
“For us in the military and other security agencies, our job is nomadic in nature and the time has come for us to obey that call. But I must say that during the course of our service here, we have not shy away from confronting whatever security situation that confronted us.
“We have enjoyed tremendous support from the governor and Cross Riverians and we can only call on those who are still around to please sustain the tempo.”
The outgoing service commanders include: Commander, 305 Special Mobility Group, SMG, Nigerian Airforce Air, Commodore OA Okpara, who has been posted to Bauchi State; Commander, 13 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Calabar, Brigadier-General E I Okoro, who recently was promoted to the rank of a Major-General and State Director, Department of State Services, Mr. John Sokoyo, who will be retiring from service.
