By Sylvia Akpan, Government House Correspondent
The Governor of Cross River State, Sen. Bassey Otu has reiterated his commitment to ensuring that the security of Cross Riverians and residents in the State remains his top priority.
Governor Otu described security as a panacea for the socio-economic growth and development of any society and maintained his administration would work closely with security agencies to ensure effective policing.
He stated this at a dinner organized in honor of the outgoing service Commanders in the State.
“Today’s occasion is to honor gentlemen who have served this state meritoriously. It is a big pride to wear the colors of our military. Once you accept to do so, you put your life in constant danger. Today, the gentlemen we are honoring have continuously put lives in great danger over the years to ensure that Cross Riverians and residents have a good sleep.
“I want to openly apologize to them and say that I am sorry for the disturbance by way of late-night calls, meetings, and so on, even at odd hours, whenever there is an incident of insecurity anywhere in the State. I did that just to ensure that our people could sleep with their two eyes closed.
“I must say that I am very proud of these officers. Because, whether the problem was in Obanliku or Bakassi, anytime I called them, they were always there to do their best to ensure that the security situation was brought under control. I am so proud of the level of bond and cordiality that exists among the service Commanders.”
Responding, the outgoing commander of the Nigerian Army, 13 Brigade, Major General E I Okoro extended appreciation to Otu for the support and wonderful working relationship he enjoyed during his stay in the State.
“This honor is a testimony of not just the good relationship we have enjoyed but also of the premium that the governor places on the security of all Cross Riverians.
“For us in the military and other security agencies, our job is nomadic in nature, and the time has come for us to obey that call. But I must say that during the course of our service here, we have not shied away from confronting whatever security situation that confronted us.
“We have enjoyed tremendous support from the governor and Cross Riverians and we can only call on those who are still around to please sustain the typo.”
The outgoing service Commanders include Commander of 305 Special Mobility Group (SMG), Nigerian Airforce Air Commodore O A Okpara who has been posted to Bauchi State; Commander of 13 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Calabar, Brigadier General E I Okoro who recently was promoted to the rank of a Major General, and the State Director, Department of State Services Mr. John Sokoyo who will be retiring from service.
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