Governor Umo Eno has vowed never to negotiate with criminals but would rather support security agencies with tools to ensure effective operations in Akwa Ibom State
He said that anyone who carries a gun, axe or any other weapon to attack security personnel is a hoodlum and would be treated accordingly.
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“The first thing I would like to say is to urge you to warn our youths to be of good behaviour. Everywhere I go, I hear build the youths, and I keep saying to them, may God help the youths to build themselves because you can’t continue building and building while the people you are building are tearing themselves apart.
“When you call people youths, and they confront security agencies using axes, machetes and all manner of dangerous weapons, they are not youths but criminals, and we will treat them like criminals.
The Governor stated that the State was prepared to build the youths, but advised that youths must first show the preparedness and willingness to be “built” for effective results.
“The security report I have is that some of us believe that if they push those youths out, they will come to me and say this is what we need to calm them down. I will not buy that, I will not bow to it. We know those that are involved. I will not give money to appease anybody not to make trouble.
“We are gathering evidence, we know what is happening. I will not negotiate. If they had been negotiating with non-state actors before, I would not do it.
Eno stated this at the May edition of the monthly prayer service held at the Latter House Chapel, Governor’s Lodge, Uyo, the state capital.
” I would rather bring more Police and more security agencies; so tell them they have no jobs again. Please beg them so that when we start dealing with them, some people will not come and beg, and remind me that I am a man of God and a merciful father,” he added
He reminded everyone of the first anniversary thanksgiving service slated for Sunday 26th May 2024 at the International Christian Worship Center, adding that the service which will start at noon with the theme, “And It Came to Pass”, will also feature the unveiling of the book, “And It Came to Pass,” chronicling activities that led to his emergence as the Governor.
Governor Eno said that the Victor Attah International Airport Road project will be commissioned on 27th May by his predecessor, Udom Emmanuel whom he said, was visionary in his leadership approach.
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He also disclosed that to begin the second year of his administration, the State will partner with the Christian Association Nigerian (CAN) for a three-day crusade, beginning from the 3rd to the 5th of June, and urged the people to endeavour to turn up to commit the State to God.
Earlier in his message, Apostle S. A. Isaiah of the Apostolic Church noted that God prepares men to use them, adding that God does not bring anyone to a throne without specific assignments.
Preaching on the theme, “God’s Kingdom Ruleth over all,” with text taken from Psalm 103:19, he urged the people to continue to stick together, emphasizing that nothing much could be achieved in a divisive atmosphere and vice versa.
