Job creation must go beyond political appointments – Hilary Bisong

…decorated as patron of Nigeria Hunters & Forest Security Service

Chief Whip of the Cross River State House of Assembly and Member Representing Boki II State Constituency, Rt. Hon. Hilary Ekpang Bisong, has said that job creation must go beyond political appointments and handouts if the government’s first responsibility of securing lives and property is to be achieved.

He made this declaration at the weekend when Officers and men of the Nigerian Hunters and Forest Security Service, Cross River State Command, paid him a visit to decorate him as their patron.

Briefing the lawmaker on the essence of the visit and the choice of making him a patron, the State Commander of the Service, Cmdr. Joseph Omini Ogborowa, said that the Command, having accessed the great leadership qualities and character of the Honourable Member, nomination and due ratification by the national, has found him worthy and unanimously resolved to make him the patron.

He further informed that the Bill to make the Service viable in all ramifications is already before the President for assent, noting that very soon, it will become an employer of Labour, just like the Civil Defense and other Paramilitary formations.

READ ALSO: Tinubu reinstates Zabbey as HYPREP Coordinator, appoints Kogo new Chairman of CCT

Omini also decried what he described as a lukewarm disposition in taking advantage of the opportunities available. He quoted that so far, Cross River State is the least with a paltry 300-man personnel, while other states are in thousands.

Rt. Hon. Hilary Bisong (Middle) with Nigeria Hunters and Forest Security Service, Cross River State Command

The high-ranking Member, while buttressing the importance of security, especially areas he termed as “ungoverned spaces” such as forests and the hinterland, said that conventional security strategies must evolve along the lines of crimes. He also disclosed that so far, reports have shown that kidnappers take advantage of the ungoverned spaces to keep their victims captive.

He further pledged unwavering support on his part and to also encourage the government of Prince Bassey Edet Otu, the People’s First Governor, to give the necessary support and logistics for smooth operations, He emphasised that a good collaborative synergy among security apparatuses will enhance better results.

Highpoint was the official handing over of relevant documents and items to the Patron.