Akwa Ibom Govt. donates facility to Nigeria Police for take-off of Special Protection Unit Base
Akwa Ibom State governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, has described the Special Protection Unit Base commissioned in Onna local government council by the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Usman Alkali Baba as the overall best, not only in the region south-South but in the country.
He made this remark at the commissioning of the facility on Wednesday in Onna local government council of the State by the Inspector General of Police.
The governor explained that the base built by the state government to support the Police in executing their duties effectively and efficiently was designed in line with the concept behind how police formations in the country are designed.
He mentioned facilities in the complex to include: a modern administrative block, a hundred apartments all ensuite, 10 one-bedroom flats, the commandant block with service quarters, the 2 ICs house, officers mess for relaxation, a good network of internal roads with a solar-powered mechanism to light the facility.
“We don’t just want to sit down and ask what can the police do for us, but as a people, as government, and as a state we make the bold move to make a statement that this is one state that at each point in time we demonstrate that we are in collaboration, in partnership, in common purpose and common goal with all the security agencies operating in this state
“Today I want to say special thank you to the IGP for making a way, despite all other commitments to give us priority to be here to commission this fantastic facility; not just best in the south-south, but in the country.
“Designed in line with the concept behind how all police formations are designed across the country: with a modern administrative block, a hundred apartments all ensuite, 10 one-bedroom flats, the commandant block with service quarters, the 2 ICs house, officers mess for relaxation, good internal roads with solar-powered lights.
“I thank him and the entire police force, I also want to reassure all the security agencies in the state of our cooperation, our partnership, and our collaboration to achieve our primary goal and purpose, our civic and common responsibility to our people, to protect lives and property. We will continue to make sure we are together in all ramifications
“Let me use this opportunity to first of all thank the IGP for all the equipment, the amenities, and all other things he has approved to ensure the smooth take-off of this base”. He said
Governor Emmanuel who informed the IGP that the state is on a goal of providing one hundred vehicles to support the Police said: “We have been buying and will keep buying, but for today I have 15 vehicles on the ground: 10 are Sienna buses and 5 brand new Hilux trucks, all fully fitted with communication gadgets to start this base. We don’t want this base to lack mobility
He expressed optimism that with the gesture by the state government, the Police would maintain the existing friendship, partnership and collaboration.
Earlier, before commissioning the facility in Awa Iman, Onna Local Government Area of the State, the IGP said that Governor Udom Emmanuel has by such a legacy project boosted the confidence of investors in the state.
He said the project was significant to the Nigeria Police and the entire security framework of Akwa Ibom State as it was a demonstration of the governor’s commitment to the security wellbeing of the people of the state.
“This facility will enhance the operational efficiency of the Special Protection Unit of Akwa Ibom State in a manner that would advance security across the state. It will also boost investors’ confidence as it will protect their economic and industrial assets, hence strengthening the economy of the state”.
“You have by this act led the way in quality and purposeful leadership and this will soon become manifest in and around this great state.
“You have supported the federal government in addressing a critical infrastructural deficit which had negatively impacted on the operational efficiency of the Nigeria Police Force”. he said
The IGP used the occasion to call on leaders at all levels to play their supportive roles in the advancement of internal security through the provision of enabling environment for the security services.
To support an immediate take-off of the facility, the IGP approved that the base is designated as “Special Protection Unit Base, Awa Iman, Onna, Akwa Ibom State. He also announced the approval of a brand new vehicle, quantities of firearms, ammunition, and special protection items.
Other approvals for the take-off of the SPUB include the immediate deployment of a commanding officer, second in command, and other key staff officers with provision for special training of all personnel.
