Connect with us

Akwa Ibom State Launches Ibom Community Watch to Bolster Rural Security

Published

on

Akwa Ibom

In a strategic move to enhance security in rural areas and complement community policing, the Akwa Ibom state government has officially inaugurated its security outfit, Ibom Community Watch (ICW).

Aligned with the ARISE Agenda of Governor Umo Eno’s administration, the outfit is set to collaborate with government security agencies to fortify safety measures.

The ICW aims to play a multifaceted role, including providing security information to government security agencies, safeguarding public facilities, ensuring the security of the state’s waterways, managing crowds, overseeing market and traffic activities, among other responsibilities.

Over 5,000 youths recruited from various units across the state will be deployed to work in rural areas.

Governor Umo Eno, who inaugurated the outfit at the Uyo township stadium, emphasized that Ibom Community Watch is not intended as a replacement for the police and other security agencies.

Equipped with communication tools and vehicles, including motorcycles, the ICW is geared towards grassroots security, intelligence provision for mainstream security services, and protection against vandalism of government facilities.

Governor Eno stated, “They are to work under very strict supervision and control of the main security agencies, especially the Police. Their jobs will be to provide security information, help in crowd control, protect basic government assets, and ensure peace in all the areas where they are located.”

He further highlighted the economic stimulus associated with the initiative, mentioning that the uniforms and boots for ICW members were locally made by Akwa Ibomites, contributing to the stimulation of the state’s economy.

Governor Eno expressed gratitude to regular security agencies for their technical support and training of the initial 550 personnel.

He affirmed that the next phase of training and recruitment will prioritize locals from riverine areas, with an emphasis on having 30% of the total 5,000 ICW personnel as women.

The launch ceremony included remarks from Commissioner for Internal Security and Waterways, General Koko Essien (rtd.), who noted that the Community Watch accommodates 5,000 youths recruited from political units for equity and fairness.

Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, CP Olatoye Durosinmi, commended the government’s initiative in tackling security challenges and anticipated a reduction in criminality with the engagement of 5,000 youths.

State Coordinator of the Ibom Community Watch, Isantim Kenneth Okon, expressed gratitude for Governor Eno’s visionary leadership and pledged unwavering commitment to collaborating with state security agencies to ensure the security, peace, and harmony of the state.

The launch event concluded with the unveiling of operational vehicles for the Community Watch program.

src

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Governor Umo Eno Dissolves Akwa Ibom State Executive Council

Published

on

By

Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has dissolved the State Executive Council with immediate effect, according to a statement from the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Enobong Uwah.

The dissolution affects all commissioners and special advisers, who are instructed to hand over their duties to the permanent secretaries in their respective ministries. In ministries lacking permanent secretaries, the most senior director is to assume responsibility.

The governor expressed his gratitude to the outgoing council members for their service and contributions to the state’s development, wishing them success in their future endeavors.

Governor Eno inherited the executive council members from his predecessor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, nearly 19 months ago.

Continue Reading

PDP Welcomes Founding Fathers Back to Party in Akwa Ibom State

Published

on

By

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Akwa Ibom State has celebrated the return of two prominent founding members, Chief Edet Isong and Prince Emmanuel Isong, to the party.

The Ward 2 branch of the PDP in Urue-Offong/Oruko formally welcomed the returnees at a grand ceremony in Uyo, marking their reintegration into the party.

Chief Edet Isong, a former Transition Chairman of Urue-Offong/Oruko, expressed enthusiasm about rejoining the PDP, describing it as “coming back home to contribute, support, and work for my family, the PDP.” He commended Governor Umo Eno’s leadership and the state’s developmental strides, citing projects like the Nsit Atai-Okobo Road as evidence of progress under the administration.

Prince Emmanuel Isong, a retired Director with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), also returned to the PDP, bolstering the party’s presence in Ward 2 and the Urue-Offong/Oruko community.

The Deputy Ward Chairman, Mrs. Nkoyo Unanaonwi, expressed joy at the return of the two stalwarts, highlighting their invaluable contributions to the party and community. “Their return is a big win for our party,” she noted.

Goodwill messages flowed from stakeholders, including Hon. Victor Amah, Chief Daniel Afiakurue, and Comrade Clement Walter, who celebrated the reunion as a significant boost for the PDP.

Chief Isong, previously affiliated with the Young People’s Party (YPP) after leaving the All Progressives Congress (APC), stated his decision was influenced by the steadfast leadership in the PDP and Governor Umo Eno’s people-focused agenda.

The ceremony marked a pivotal moment for the PDP in Urue-Offong/Oruko, as members expressed optimism about the party’s future strengthened by the return of its founding fathers.

Continue Reading

Akwa Ibom PDP Declares Governor Umo Eno Sole Candidate for 2027 Governorship Election

Published

on

By

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Akwa Ibom State has endorsed Governor Umo Eno as its sole candidate for the 2027 governorship election, despite the general election being over two years away.

The decision, announced at the PDP Enlarged State Executive Council Meeting on 6 January 2025, was formalized in a communiqué signed by the party’s state chairperson, Aniekan Akpan. The party cited Governor Eno’s “outstanding performance” and “exemplary leadership” under his Arise Agenda as reasons for the endorsement.

“His vision has delivered significant dividends of democracy for Akwa Ibom State,” the communiqué stated.

This move effectively excludes other aspirants within the party, consolidating Governor Eno’s position as the PDP’s flagbearer in a state that has remained a PDP stronghold since 1999.

Governor Eno, who assumed office on 29 May 2023, dissolved his cabinet hours before visiting the PDP state secretariat in Uyo on Saturday.

With opposition parties like the All Progressives Congress currently weak in the state, Governor Eno appears well-positioned for a second term in 2027.

Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2017 Zox News Theme. Theme by MVP Themes, powered by WordPress.