‘I’ll collaborate with you to secure Etinan’ -Hon. Uko Umoh
By Ime SilasChairman of Etinan Local Government Council, Hon Uko Umoh has expressed his readiness to collaborate with all formal and informal security apparatuses in the area for the purpose of ensuring a safe and secure Etinan.
The Chairman who dropped the hint on Thursday, January 25, 2024 at his office in Etinan while hosting Professional Hunters Association of Nigeria, Etinan Command, noted that no society could develop without peace and security.
Hon. Uko said: “As far as my administration is concerned, everybody in Etinan Local Government Area is important”, adding “…for any leader to succeed, he or she must try as much as he can to carry everybody along and that is exactly what I’m trying to do here in Etinan”.
He continued “I was appointed by His Excellency, Governor Umo Eno to serve indigenes of Etinan and that includes everybody. I’m here to replicate the good works of His Excellency. My dream is to ensure that the ARISE Agenda of His Excellency is felt by Etinan people.
So, as far as security is concerned, I am ever ready to collaborate with both formal and informal security institutions in securing the lives and property of my people. This is because I know that without security, there’s no tangible development”.
Speaking on his developmental plans for his people, the Etinan Council Boss continued “I’m happy that you guys are working with the police. I will give you all the necessary supports within the Council’s capacity in order to help you double your efforts.
One thing that bothers me most is this issue of nonavailability of banks in Etinan. Imagine a long standing local government area like Etinan existing without a bank, all because of insecurity. How do business people operate?
But fortunately, I have had fruitful discussions with about three banks and very soon, they would commence gradual operations here. So, your services would be highly needful in the area of information sharing with the police and other relevant security agencies for the purpose of providing security.
The Committee that was set up by this Council to take stock of all abandoned and vandalized property and assets of government would soon submit their report. We’re going to rehabilitate all those projects in Etinan and in order to avoid any further vandalism, your services would also be needed. But do well to ensure that there are no bad eggs amongst you.”
Earlier in their separate speeches, the leaders and members of the group commended the Chairman for his strides within the period of about one month in office.
“We want to congratulate you on your emergence as the Chairman of Etinan Local Government Council. We must thank you for what you have done within a short time in office. For instance, today, one can stand at Mkpafi market and sight Ishiet Erong because you have engaged our youths to clear both sides of the road. Etinan is becoming cleaner, courtesy of your administration.
As a group that is recognized by government, we want to partner with you to provide security for people of Etinan. We have challenges of mobility and office accommodation. We want to appeal to you to assist us in these directions”, Chairman of the group, Samuel Effiong Okon said.
Present during the visit was the Etinan Council Vice Chairman, Hon. Imaobong Michael; Council Secretary, Hon. Lawrencia Etuk and SA to the Chairman on Youths, Hon. Item Etuk.
Other members of Etinan Command of the Professional Hunters present included Aniefiok Effiong Tommy (State Auditor), Uwem Charles Akpan (Vice Chairman) and Joseph Isaiah Udoh (Secretary).
Others were Itohowo Elijah Uwak (PRO), Aniefiok Sunday Ufot (Welfare), Ufon Jackson (Treasurer) and Godwin Etuk (Ex-officio).