‘Instructively, the state produced the first commissioned officer of the force (in 1949), late Brigadier Wellington Umoh Bassey’
By Inemesit Ina
- Major General Uwem Bassey
- Major General Emmanuel Akpan
- Major General Aniedi Edet
- Major General Effefiong Ekpenyong
- Major General Wisdom Etuk
- Major General Victor Emah
The Army and Akwa Ibom
The Nigerian Army has a long-standing relationship with Akwa Ibom, dating back to the colonial era.
Instructively, the state produced the first commissioned officer of the force (in 1949), late Brigadier Wellington Umoh Bassey. Wellington Bassey Barracks, Abuja, Wellington Bassey Barracks, Ibagwa, housing 6 Battalion, and Wellington Bassey Way, hosting Government House, the Judiciary and other key State Government offices in Uyo, are all named after him.
Moreover, the 2 Brigade Cantonment is located in his LGA, Nsit Ibom. There is, however, an agitation by some stakeholders in Ibiono Ibom LGA for their hero and Bassey’s near-contemporary, late Obong Philip Effiong, Akangkang Ibiono, to be similarly immortalised with his name used to christen the new cantonment
Since the creation of Akwa Ibom in 1987, the Army has played a crucial role in the maintenance of peace and security within the state and her boundaries. It has complemented the Police in fighting various crimes like armed robbery, kidnapping, cult-related warfare, communal clashes, seccessionist incursion and election violence.
Akwa Ibom’s Generals
After Bassey and Effiong, more Akwa Ibom indigenes have excelled in the Army on even higher ranks.
Today, the state boasts of producing a total number of 20 two-star generals including six still serving.
Those serving and their LGAs of origin are Major Generals Uwem Udo Bassey – Ini, Emmanuel Henry Akpan – Oruk Adam, Aniedi Effiong Edet – Uyo, Effefiong Effiong Ekpenyong – Itu, Wisdom Benjamin Etuk – Etinan and Victor Edet Emah – Mbo.
The 14 in retirement and their LGAs of origin are Major Generals Edet Adam Akpan (late) – Nsit Atai, Okon Edet Okon (late) – Itu, Raphael Benedict Usoro – Ikono, Kefre Edem Ekwo (late) – Eket, Godwin George Umo – Abak, Uwemedimo Essien – Ikono, Paul John Isang – Nsit Ibom, David David Enetie – Nsit Ibom, Okon Etim Ekanem – Ini, Isidore Henry Edet – Mbo, Dr. Simeon Eno Umo Ekanem (late) – Ikot Ekpene, Enobong Okon Udoh – Etinan, Solomon Effiong Udounwa – Ibesikpo Asutan and Ifiok Martins Obot – Abak.
There are hopes that the number of two-star generals from Akwa Ibom would increase in December when promotions to the top ranks in the AFN are announced.
For now, the state expects benefits from the Chief of Army Staff Conference.