Edith CHUKU
As part of efforts to drive coordinated and sustainable development, the Cross River State Police command has held a strategic engagement with representatives of the South-South Development Commission SSDC.
The meeting held on Wednesday, at the Police Officers’ Mess, Moore Road, Calabar, provided opportunity for the SSDC to formally introduce the commission, its mandate and brief security heads on its planned programmes and intervention across the state.
In attendance were the State Commissioner of Police, Ajo Geoffrey Ordue, Brig. Gen. Patrick Alimikhena of the Nigerian Army; Commodore S. M. Ahmed, Nigerian Navy; Group Captain Baduna Nahor Samaila, Nigerian Air Force; Commandant Okarazu Chima Eke, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.
Also in attendance were Mr. Oluwole Faluyi from the Department of State Services; and Mr. Anteyi John, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency.
The SSDC delegation, led by its representatives, included Rt. Hon. Larry Odey, Rt. Hon. Moses Onoh, Mr. Augustine Wonah, Mr. Joseph Agi, Mr. Wonah Patrick and Mr. Emmanuel Olayi, representing the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Commission, Ms. Usoro Offiong Akpabio, FRSA, FCE.
Speaking on behalf of the Commission, Odey, Cross River State Representative on the SSDC Governing Board, explained that the commission was established to drive coordinated and sustainable development across the six South-South States, including Cross River State.
He noted that as the Commission commences programmes, projects and other interventions across the State, effective cooperation and communication with security agencies would be important to their successful implementation.
Responding on behalf of the security heads, the Ordue noted that security and development are closely interconnected, stressing that a stable and secure environment is essential for effective development initiatives.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the security agencies to continued inter-agency collaboration and strategic, consultative engagement with the Commission.
The meeting underscored the shared interest of both sides in sustaining cooperation, open communication and partnership in support of peace, security and development across the state.
