With the foundation laying of the State’s command and control centre, where real time security information in the state will be shared, and issues of concern resolved, Gov Umo Eno has once again etched his name on the annals of history in the hearts of Akwa Ibom people.
The ARISE mantra of His Excellency, is no longer seen or talked about, it is being felt by all and sundry. Over the times, during electioneering campaigns, politicians have made promises, and has left office without fulfilling it, and this has posed a great challenge to others, who also seek political office.
The perception of the people rest on the fact that, Mr.A had made promises, and never fulfilled, Mr.B had also come with same rhetoric, and left the people in more despair, making it a cumbersome process to convince the electorate, that Mr. C was coming with good intentions.
The fact above, underscores human perception, when Gov Umo Eno, then an Aspirant, had sought for votes. The unveiling of the ARISE AGENDA of the Governor was seen to be one of the many promises that politicians fly around, in the name of a manifesto, blueprint, roadmap, or whatever name they may deem fit.
The launch of the ARISE AGENDA, signaled a different signpost to events, it displayed a compassionate framework, anchored on the yearnings of what Akwa Ibom people really desired as a state and with the implementation of its core mandate on security, a new architectural structure to combat crime has arrived Akwa Ibom State.
Gov. Umo Eno, while laying the foundation of the centre, said, “Security remains a top priority for my administration, and we will continue to invest in modern solutions to protect our people and their businesses. I appreciate the unwavering support of our security agencies, local government leaders, and traditional rulers in making Akwa Ibom a model of peace and development. Together, we will continue to Arise and expand our growth and development layers. This Centre is part of our commitment to keeping Akwa Ibom as one of Nigeria's safest and most peaceful states.”
With the early arrival of the security centre, with state-of-the-art technological equipments, to help monitor security situations in the entire state, a better replica to what is obtainable in other states, which according to the contractor, will be ready in four months, the fulfilment of the major part of curtailing criminality, in the ARISE MANTRA, which takes care of the letter S on the AGENDA, would have been achieved in two years of the Governor’s reign as Akwa Ibom Leader.
The command and Control centre has moved from a mantra and beyond a campaign promise, to a fulfilment of an AGENDA, which will outlive Gov. Umo Eno’s administration and set the pace for an improved security system, where successive administrations, will rely upon, to curb the menace of criminality in the near future.
It answers the question of when and gives further answer on how it will be achieved. For Governor Umo Eno, the centre is a legacy project, and in the end, Akwa Ibom people will remain the biggest beneficiary of the ARISE AGENDA, beyond mere rhetoric.
Dr. Eneh John is a Journalist, and writes from Ikot Uso Ekong, Eket, Akwa Ibom State.