By Shadrach Okon
The Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umoh Eno has declared war on criminals operating in the state, the governor gave his stand last weekend while launching the construction of a Command and Control Centre—a centralized facility designed to digitally coordinate and enhance security operations across Akwa Ibom State.
Speaking during the event, Governor Eno said “the command and control Centre will integrate multiple information streams, data sources, and communication channels to improve situational awareness and facilitate swift responses to security challenges.”
He assured residents in Akwa Ibom State that the latest innovation in the security achietecture in Akwa Ibom State is aimed at flushing criminal completely out of the state.
Commending security agencies for their dedication, Governor Eno emphasized that the center would make the state “uncomfortable and unwelcoming for criminal elements and their cohorts.”
He reiterated that security is essential for attracting investors and tourists, assuring residents that his administration remains committed to ensuring their safety and well-being.
Earlier the chairman of Uyo local government area, Dr Uwemedimo Udo, in his welcome remarks commended the Governor for his various security initiatives which have made Akwa Ibom safe for business.
Dr Udo who is the Chairman of ALGON in Akwa Ibom State lauded the security tax fund initiative of the administration and announced the decision of local government chairmen in the State to willingly contribute to the fund every month.
“Your Excellency, we are the chief security officers in our respective local government areas and we are ready to contribute willingly to the security tax fund to enhance the general security of our people”, the ALGON chairman said.
In his overview of the project, the Honorary Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, DIG Adeyemi Ogunjemilusi, said the command center is a key element in the security architecture of the State.
He said the center will serve as the nerve center of all security services in the State.
“We will process all information gathered and pass them to the appropriate end users. The center is to be equipped with cross cutting modern technological equipment.
“We will be able to monitor and coordinate whatever happens anywhere across the entire State.
“Hospital Ambulance services will be linked to the center for health emergencies”, adding that the center will be in constant surveillance of the 129 km coastline of the State.
The State Police Commissioner, Baba Mohammed Azare, who spoke on behalf other service commanders said the security agencies were happy with Governor on the initiative.
“It will make us discharge our job more effectively and achieve the desired security goal in Akwa Ibom.
“The center will enable us put communication across all nooks and crannies to easily control crime and arrest criminals in Akwa Ibom State”, the Police CP said.
Also speaking, Edidem Sylvester Okon, the Paramount Ruler of Uyo local government said, “God bless you for what you have done. We thank you for enhancing the peace of our localities and my people say thank you. We will continue to pray for you and we will continue to support you.”
Giving his words of commitment at the exercise, the Managing Director of the project contracting firm, Alvard & Moore, Engr. Uwem Etuk who thanked the Governor for the opportunity given his firm, assured that he will complete the project in four months as specified in the terms of the contract.
