The Akwa Ibom state House of Assembly has resolved to hold a security summit with a view to finding lasting solution to the security situation in some areas of the state particularly Ukanafun and Etim Ekpo Local Government Areas.
The state legislature is pushing for a “multilateral action” towards resolving the lingering security crisis. The summit will engage heads of security architecture in the state as well as create an interface between stakeholders and security agencies, Speaker Onofiok Luke said at Tuesday’s plenary.
The resolution for a security summit follows a matter of urgent public importance brought before the House by the lawmaker representing Etim-Ekpo/Ika State constituency, Rt. Hon. Gabriel Toby who decried the persistent activities of criminal elements who he said have made live unbearable for his constituents in Etim-Ekpo and environs. According to him, the perpetrators are allegedly involved and connected with series of crimes such as armed robbery, rape, cultism, kidnapping, unlawful possession of firearms and terrorism in the area.
While appreciating the security agencies in the state for their effort, the lawmakers expressed worry about the continued agony suffered by the people of the affected local government areas. They urged the police and other security formations in the state to step up actions to ensure that criminal activities are thoroughly checked.
The Speaker said while a lasting solution is being sought, the security Agencies in the state should ensure that the safety of citizens is immediately guaranteed.
Mandating the Committee on Security, Youths and Sports to set necessary machinery in motion for the convening of the proposed security summit, Luke said the summit will help the unravelling of the challenges faced by the security agencies, as well as the immediate and remote causes of the crimes.
The Speaker thanked the sponsor of the motion for being sensitive to the plights of his people. He re-echoed the commitment of the state legislature in partnering with Governor Udom Emmanuel to ensure the security of lives and property in the state.
“I appreciate the member representing Ika/Etim-Ekpo for rising to the occasion, and this goes to show the disposition of the sixth assembly which is pro people and to always bring to the fore the issues and challenges that affect both indigenes and non indigenes who are residing here or doing business in our state.
“This House of Assembly understands the primary responsibility of government, which is security of lives and property. This House in the last three years has had cause to pursue this clear goal of government with vigour and without fear and favour.
“This House in totality deprecate the destruction of lives and property by criminals in Etim-Ekpo, Ukanafun and its environs. We are pushing for a multilateral action for the resolution of this crisis. We will have an engagement of the heads of the security architecture with the House, and we are confident that we will help the security agencies contain the situation because the security and safety of the people is at the heart of this government’s agenda”
Corroborating the Speaker, Rt. Hon Victor Udofia of Ikono state constituency said: “No government wants to play politics with security of lives and property. It is good that we the House of Assembly ask security agencies what are their needs, what have they done so far and then find out how they are containing the situation”.
Udofia is also the Chairman, committee on security, youth and sports.