The Nigerian Navy NN Jubilee at Ikot Abasi in Akwa Ibom State, yesterday, reaffirmed it’s commitment to the protection of the nation’s waterways.
The commander of the formation Commodore Saidu Garba who made this known when he commissioned 3 new of bungalows donated to naval personnel by the authorities of Ikot Abasi local government said that the Navy has drastically reduced the nefarious activities of pirates and other criminals on the nations territorial waters.
Garba who congratulated the government and the people of Ikot Abasi for the donation explained that the formation would not relent in carring out its onerous constitutional duties and ensure that a drastic reduction of criminal activities on the the nation’s territorial waters I achieved.
“I want to thank you for this kind gesture in providing accommodation for our personnel and choosing the Nigerian Navy here at Ikot Abasi as your strategic partner in the task for keeping our maritime environment safe for maritime trade.
“The Navy acknowledges the immense contribution of the people of Ikot Abasi and your local government Council in supporting our operations over the years we thank you” he stated.
Commodore Garba spoke of the symbiotic and robust relationship that has existed between the Navy, it’s host communities of Ikot Abasi and the state Government saying through the good working relationship, the state government has donated a big parcel of land and school complex for the establishment of a Naval college in the state.
Garba expressed gratitude to Governor Udom Emmanuel for his numerous assistance to the navy in the state and thanked the Chief of naval Staff Vice Admiral Ibom Ete Bias for his numerous support.
On his part chairman Transition Committee for Ikot Abasi local government Mr Ubong Uquang who was represented by the Director of works in the Council Engineer Amos Bernard Akpanudoh commended the Navy for leaving up to their responsibility by curbing the activities of criminals in the area and assureef them of more support.
In his remarks the Clan Head of Ikpa Ibekwe HRH Ettebom Akpan Akpan Uwauino 11 represented by the chairman of Ikpa Ibekwe Clan Council, Elder Unidentified Stephen commended the Navy for creating unpresidented impact in curtaling the activities of criminals in Ikot Abasi.
“The Navy has not relented in its effort to ensure that we have a secure maritime environment,’’ he said Ete-Ibas said the Navy was mounting surveillance system in the maritime domain and an awareness system with a view to combating maritime crimes in the nation’s waterways.
He expressed optimism that once the facilities were in place, the Navy would be able to see beyond the horizon and be able to respond appropriately to some of the threats.
Source: Leadership
