Imoke Commends Nigerian Army For Security
CALABAR, June 21, (THEWILL) - Governor Liyel Imoke of Cross River State has attributed the peaceful status which the state has enjoyed to the presence of the Nigerian Army and other security agencies.
Speaking while receiving the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant-General Onyeabo Azubuike Ihiejirika during a courtesy call in Calabar, Imoke who lauded the presence, said the state will continue to partner the Nigerian Army to enable it implement its developmental programmes to the benefit of the citizenry.
According to him, the partnership will not only make the state one of the safest in the country but also conducive for business, growth and encourage the hospitality sector, adding that such a strong partnership will enable Cross River State become a model.
Imoke disclosed that the oldest army barracks in the country which is located in Calabar remains one of the tourism heritage sites while the road leading there, Barracks Road, is also one of the busiest in the metropolis.
He averred that the army needs a purposeful and a committed officer like the COAS to effect positive changes in securing the nation and commended him for the numerous reforms which he has initiated for the benefit of the soldiers and the nation as well as addressing the challenges which the officers and men are facing.
The Governor appealed that the Amphibious Brigade which is situated in Calabar should be expanded and upgraded while the proposed training planned by the COAS be extended there to enable its officers and men be equipped to police the water ways of the nation in order to curb the incidence of piracy and militancy as other security operatives in Operation Messa a peace keeping outfit in the state, have partnered the Nigerian Army to curb and reduced to minimal the crime and other forms of violence in the State.
Imoke officially, congratulated Ihiejirika for his appointment as COAS and commended him for the good work, which he has embarked to reposition the Nigerian Army.
Earlier, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt-General Onyeabo Azubuike Ihiejirika, said his maiden visit to Cross River State was to enable him tour army units in the state and beyond as well as appraised the level of training and operational readiness of the 13th Brigade while also affording him opportunity to interact with officers and men.
Ihiejirika noted that the nation is faced with new challenges in security and there was need to full a braised of the trend because terrorism knows no border, adding that his mission is to transform the Nigerian Army to deal with contemporary challenges which require training and retraining as an ideal prerequisite for professionalism.
The COAS acknowledged the cordial relationship between the soldiers and the civilian population in the state as well as the support it receives from the State Government and disclosed his intention to visit the Amphibious Training School in Calabar to ascertain the level of its facilities before proceeding to Uyo, for this year’s celebration of Nigerian Army Day.