Following observed unruly behaviours among some youths in the State,
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno has urged parents to caution their children and wards, especially those of youthful age to desist from igniting or fueling tension in any part of the State.
The Governor made the appeal at the May edition of Government House monthly prayer service held at the Latter House Chapel, Governor’s Lodge.
He noted that anyone who carries gun, axe or any other weapon to attack security personnel are not youths but hoodlums and will be treated accordingly.
The Governor stated that the State is prepared to build the youths, but advised that youths must first show the preparedness and willingness to be “built” for effective result.
He disclosed that he will never negotiate with hoodlums, but would support security agencies with necessary tools to enhance effective operation and maintain the 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 to them, may God help the youths to build themselves because you can’t continue building and building while the people you are building are tearing themselves apart.
“When you call people youths, and they confront security agencies using axes, machetes and all manner of dangerous weapons, they are not youths but criminals, and we will treat them like criminals.
“The security report I have is that some of us believe that if they push those youths out, they will come to me and say this is what we need to calm them down. I will not buy that, I will not bow to it. We know those that are involved. I will not give money to appease anybody not to make trouble.
“We are gathering evidence, we know what is happening. I will not negotiate. If they had been negotiations with non state actors before, I will not do it. I would rather bring more Police and more security agencies; so tell them they have no jobs again. Please beg them so that when we start dealing with them, some people will not come and beg, and remind me that I am a man of God and a merciful father,” he added
He reminded everyone of the first anniversary thanksgiving service slated for Sunday 26th May, 2024 at the International Christian Worship Center, adding that the service which will start at noon with the theme, “And It Came to Pass”, will also feature unveiling of the book, “And It Came to Pass,” chronicling activities that led to his emergence as the Governor.
Governor Eno furthered that the Victor Attah International Airport Road project will be commissioned on 27th May by his predecessor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel whom he said, was visionary in his leadership approach.
He also disclosed that to begin the second year of his administration, the State will partner with Christian Association Nigerian (CAN) for a three day crusade, beginning from 3rd to 5th of June, and urged Akwa Ibomites to endeavour to turn up to commit the State to God.
Earlier in his message, Apostle S. A. Isaiah of the Apostolic Church noted that God prepares men to use them, adding that God does not bring anyone to a throne without specific assignments.
Preaching on the theme, “God’s Kingdom Ruleth over all,” with text taken from Psalm 103:19, he urged Akwa Ibomites to continue to stick together, emphasizing that nothing much could be achieved in a divisive atmosphere and vise versa.
