By Julius Bren
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has called for the location of an additional Army battalion along the Oron axis of the southern fringes of the state as a step to addressing the lingering security issues around the state’s littoral areas.
Governor Umo Eno made the call while playing host to the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, who paid a courtesy visit to his office at Government House, Uyo, on Monday, August 26, 2024, on his arrival for the combined 2nd and 3rd quarters edition of the 2024 Chief of Army Staff Conference, holding in the State from August 26, 2024, to August 30, 2024.
Welcoming the Army Chief and his entourage to the State, the Governor commended the reflection of federal character in the top echelon of the Nigerian Army and commended their efforts and commitment to preserving the nation’s democracy by ensuring the security of citizens across the various parts of the country, while expressing hope that normalcy will soon be restored in troubled areas.
The Akwa Ibom State Chief Executive particularly lauded the synergy between the Army formations in the State and other security agencies, saying it is a major boost to the security of the state, assuring the State Government’s readiness to lend all necessary support to enable the establishment of the new base.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. T. Lagbaja, speaking earlier, said the courtesy call on the Governor was traditional, to register the presence of the Nigerian Army in the host state for the week-long conference.
He commended the peaceful and hospitable ambience of the state, which, he affirmed, informed the choice of the state for the conference.
Lagbaja noted that the conference is usually hosted in Abuja, stressing that when taken outside Abuja, it is always to troubled spots, as a show of force.
The Nigerian Army Chief, however, said the case in Akwa Ibom was different as they were in the State to relax and discuss serious national security concerns.
He expressed the appreciation of the Nigerian Army to the Government and people of Akwa Ibom State for the infrastructural and logistical support extended to the 2 Brigade headquarters in the State, as well as the warm reception of his team to the State, assuring the continuous commitment of the Army to exert itself in ensuring the security and safety of citizens.
