Worried by the spate of piracy and other forms of criminality orchestrated by militants in the Nigerian waterways, Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State has called on the Nigerian Navy to re-strategize and checkmate militancy, pipeline vandalism as well as incessant harassment of fishermen and others engaging in economic activities in the territorial shores.
Governor Emmanuel made the call during a courtesy visit by the Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas, at Government House, Uyo.
He commended the Navy for their efforts in sustaining vigilance and curbing crimes in the territorial waterways thereby ensuring safety in the shore lines for smooth operations of Oil and Gas Industries and other investments.
Governor Emmanuel acknowledged the gains of establishing educational institutions by security organizations saying that the added regimentation in the curriculum has produced outstanding students in various fields of study and particularly requested for establishment of Engineering Faculty and other maritime courses in the proposed University to be sited at the premises of the Special Technical School, Ekparakwa in Mkpat Enin Local Government Area of the state.
The Governor announced that a dual carriage way is being constructed at Ibaka in Mbo Local Government Area to pave way for smooth transportation of Oil and Gas by several industral concerns which he said are located at about 123km shore lines of the state.
He used the occasion to congratulate the Chief of Naval Staff on his elevation and successes recorded by the Navy in their operations and announced a donation of two Gun Boats to the Navy to aid in their operations.
The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas who expressed appreciation to the state government for donating to the Navy a land at Uta Ewa, Esene, a Jetty in Ikot Abasi and the Special Technical School at Ekparakwa in Mkpat Enin Local Government Area of the state stated the Commands intension to convert the facility to a Naval University campus.
Admiral Ibokette thanked the Governor for his support to the Navy and pledged to make the territorial waterways more safer for investors and people engaging in various businesses.
Highpoint of the visit was the exchange of souvenir between the host Governor Udom Emmanuel and the Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas.
