National Telescope national telescope newspaper
By Paulinus Nta, A’IBOM
In response to observed unruly behaviours among some youths in Akwa Ibom, Governor Pastor Umo Eno has urged parents to caution their children, especially those of youthful age, to refrain from igniting or fueling tension in any part of the state.
The governor made this appeal during the May edition of the Government House monthly prayer service, held at the Government House Chapel, Governor’s Lodge.
He emphasised that those who carry guns, axes, or other weapons to attack security personnel are not youths but hoodlums and will be treated accordingly.V,
Eno expressed the state’s commitment to building the youths but stressed that the youths must show preparedness and willingness to be “built” for effective results.
He declared that he would never negotiate with hoodlums and would support security agencies with necessary tools to maintain peace and security in the state.
“The first thing I would like to say is to urge you to warn our youths to be of good behaviour. Everywhere I go, I hear ‘build the youths,’ and I keep saying, may God help the youths to build themselves because you can’t continue building while the people you are building are tearing themselves apart. When people confront security agencies with axes, machetes, and other dangerous weapons, they are not youths but criminals, and we will treat them as such.
“The security report I have indicates that some believe pushing those youths out will lead to negotiations for appeasement. I will not buy that; I will not bow to it. We know those involved and will not give money to appease anyone to prevent trouble.
“We are gathering evidence and will not negotiate. If negotiations with non-state actors happened before, I will not engage in them. I would rather bring in more police and security agencies.
“Please beg them so that when we start dealing with them, no one will come to remind me that I am a man of God and a merciful father,” he added.
Governor Eno also announced that the Victor Attah International Airport Road project would be commissioned on May 27th by his predecessor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, whom he praised for his visionary leadership.
Additionally, he disclosed plans to partner with the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) for a three-day crusade from June 3rd to 5th, encouraging Akwa Ibom residents to attend and commit the state to God.
Earlier, Apostle S. A. Isaiah of the Apostolic Church, preaching on the theme “God’s Kingdom Ruleth over All” from Psalm 103:19, noted that God prepares men for specific assignments. He urged Akwa Ibomites to stick together, emphasizing that significant achievements are impossible in a divisive atmosphere.
