The Commissioner for Local Government Affairs, Chief Felix Idem has implored youths across the state to explore credible means of complimenting government efforts in ensuring the security of lives and property of the citizenry especially within their localities.
Chief Idem gave the charge in Calabar when he played host to youths from the Bakassi Local Government area under the aegis of Concerned Youths of Bakassi.
He commended the gallant efforts of Esuk Utan youths in Calabar Municipality and the prompt response of security outfits in foiling a kidnap attempt in the neighborhood noting that such initiative must be replicated across the state to assist the government in taming the menace of insecurity.
According to him, " The present administration has developed an economic blueprint aimed at harnessing our vast potentials in terms of natural endowments especially in the agricultural sector to accelerate economic development. The next step our Governor is currently pursuing is to attract investors to drive the process, but this novel intention can not click with the issue of insecurity within our borders."
He emphasized further; "Our people are naturally peaceful and law-abiding, the onus is now on our youths from Bakassi to Obanliku to fish out the bad elements within our borders perpetrating mischief so that we can stop them from frustrating our developmental aspirations. We can't afford to fold our hands and watch a few disgruntled elements scuttle government people-oriented intentions through kidnappings, thuggery, cultism, and incessant communal clashes."
He tasked the Bakassi youths to team up with law enforcement officers and guard their neighborhood from becoming a haven for kidnappers and other criminal elements to create an enabling environment for economic activities to thrive.
Earlier, the leader of the group, Mr Joseph Bassey applauded Governor Bassey Otu for the choice of Chief Idem as Local Government Commissioner describing him as a round peg in a round hole.
He pledged the readiness of Bakassi youths to build a robust relationship with the security outfits in the area, especially the Nigerian Army, and solicited official recognition as well as logistic assistance for the Bakassi Vigilante outfit to assist in curbing criminal activities in the area.
By Ekanem Asuquo, The Beagle News
