...Hails NSCDC, Seeks Stronger Synergy Ahead Of Carnival, Elections
Cross River State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Pastor Ekpenyong Ene Cobham, has described security as one of the cardinal achievements of the Senator Prince Bassey Otu-led administration, lauding the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) for its pivotal role in keeping the state safe.
The Commissioner stated this when he led members of his management team on a courtesy visit to the State Commandant of the NSCDC at the Command Headquarters in Calabar on Monday.
According to him, the visit was to appreciate the Corps for its sacrifices and to strengthen inter-agency synergy for effective public communication and security management.
"I had to come first to appreciate the enormous effort you and your men are putting in to help we, the civil populace, sleep with both eyes closed today. For us to sleep with both eyes closed, it means you are not sleeping," he said.
He noted that the synergy built between security agencies and the Otu administration has contributed significantly to the peace and stability currently enjoyed in the State.
"Today, if we talk about the goals and achievements of this administration, one of them is in the area of security. Without cooperation, we cannot succeed. I sincerely want us to build a more cordial relationship such that at every point in time, we have each other's back," he added.
The Commissioner acknowledged the challenges confronting the Corps, recalling his earlier visit as Commissioner for Transportation when the deplorable state of the Command was brought to his attention.
He expressed satisfaction with the ongoing reconstruction works, which he attributed to Governor Otu's intervention, and pledged to articulate the needs of the Corps for an enabling working environment.
He further charged the NSCDC to redouble its efforts as the state enters a critical period marked by increased social and political activities.
"We are getting into a very critical period where the entire ecosystem will be congested. We trust that you will not fail to do more in making sure that Cross River State is safe and that Cross Riverians enjoy peace. We need to take our relationship to the next level because you cannot clap with one hand," he stressed.
In his response, the State Commandant of the NSCDC, Commandant Okarazu Chima Eke, thanked the Commissioner for the visit and described him as a long-standing friend of the Corps.
The Commandant said the Corps is strengthening its public enlightenment drive to keep residents abreast of emerging crime trends, noting that awareness remains one of the most effective tools in fighting insecurity.
"Sometimes, if you don't let people know what you are doing, they won't know we are doing something. The best way to fight insecurity is by creating awareness. Once criminals know that the public is aware of their antics, they chicken out," he said.
He expressed gratitude to Governor Bassey Otu for the ongoing comprehensive reconstruction of the State Command headquarters, which he noted is a total overhaul of the facility. "The only assurance we can give the state is that we will not joke with our mandate. We are going to work day and night," the Commandant assured, adding that the Corps is gearing up for three major operations: the Carnival Calabar, the yuletide festive season and the forthcoming general elections.
He said the Corps remains committed to its core mandate of protecting lives and safeguarding critical national, state and local government assets, noting that the Governor's infrastructural investments must be protected to yield value.
The Commandant further disclosed that the Corps is paying special attention to the protection of telecommunication and power infrastructure ahead of the elections, which he said will be electronically driven.
"By the grace of God, we are working in synergy with other security agencies to ensure Cross River is safe, peaceful and free from any challenge that has to do with the elections," he stated.
He thanked the Ministry of Information and Orientation for its willingness to partner with the Corps in projecting its activities and sensitizing the public.
By Nakanda Iyadim
