Gov. Umo Eno, his deputy, Senator Akon Eyakenyi with the delegation led by the CNS, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas during the courtesy visit.
By Anietie Akpan
A new naval base is to be established at the Ibeno axis in Akwa Ibom State.
The development is to boost further safety of maritime infrastructure in the State.
This was disclosed during a courtesy visit on Governor Umo Eno, by the Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, in his office.
Admiral Abbas said he was in the State to pay homage and respect to the Governor before touring the naval units in the State as part of his operational visit to the Eastern Naval Command.
The CNS who was only recently appointed by the President, said he is going round to have first hand information on all units in the State, and his visit to the Governor was to also enable him thank the Governor for the support to the Navy since assumption of office.
“Akwa Ibom is critical as most of the critical national assets are in the State. We are open to continuous collaborations with the state to protect critical national assets.
“Security is everyone’s responsibility and we we need more support from the State. I was briefed of the base being proposed in the State. If we have an LOP, outpost or a base in Ibeno, we will appreciate”, Admiral Abbas said.
In his response, Governor Eno commended the Chief of Naval Staff on his appointment by the President.
He thanked the President for the appointment, noting that it came at a time where there was need to intensify efforts to protect maritime assets across the country.
The Governor said he is ready to issue a certificate of occupancy to ensure the establishment of the base in Ibeno.
He appreciated the supportive role of the Nigerian Navy, and asked for more collaborations.
“One of the major contracts we signed some months ago, was the construction of a passenger ferry by the Nigerian Navy for our Marine Jetty and other facilities in Oron.
He mentioned the gunboats donated to the Navy as part of his holistic approach towards enhancing security in the State.
“In my administration, we take security very seriously and that is why we created the Ministry of Internal Security headed by Gen. Koko Essien, (rtd).
Governor Eno thanked all security agencies for their collaborative role in maintaining peace in the State, assured that he was favourably disposed to working all to expand the frontiers of peace in the State.
“We run an all -inclusive government where women, youths, retired military officers, all play major roles”.
