January 16, (THEWILL) – The Transition Chairman of Itu Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, Hon. (Barr) Etetim Onuk, has called on the people of Itu, Akwa Ibom State and Nigeria to always explore dialogue, consultation and every constitutional means in resolving issues, conflicts and differences in opinion to maintain peace and stability in the country.
Onuk, who stated this on Monday while laying the wreath to pay tribute to the fallen heroes to celebrate the 2024 Armed Forces Remembrance Day at the Cenotaph, Mbak Atai, saluted the tenacity, doggedness and fighting spirit of the men and women of the armed forces still alive.
He frowned at the renewed threats to the security of the country and Itu, as the immediate environment, visible by a series of unwanted kidnappings of innocent youths on the mandatory National Service Scheme as well as travellers across the country, has posed a serious challenge to the law enforcement agencies to redouble their collaborative efforts to ensure lasting peace and crime-free society.
He said, “May I at this point say with all sincerity that I am pleased and enlivened to note with deep satisfaction and appreciation all the contributions and sacrifices of the officers and men of the Armed forces for ensuring peace and stability, as well as protection of our territorial boundaries.
“My pleasure arises largely from contemplations of the fact that the new spirit of service and dedication of the new generation of soldiers have now risen to work selflessly with great hope, vision, impetus and intelligence.
“Judging from the events of the past years, you will agree with me that there have been renewed threats to the security of our country and our immediate environments. This can be attested to by the series of unwanted kidnappings of our innocent Youth Corpers who were called to serve their fatherland and travellers across the length and breadth of the country, hence, posing a challenge to our law enforcement agencies, redouble their collaborative efforts and rise to the occasion, to ensure lasting peace and crime-free society for us all.”
He saluted the tenacity and sincerity of the Itu chapter of the Nigerian Legion for what he described as invaluable contributions to the society, peace and socio-economic development of the Local Government Area, particularly, during the last six years of his administration as chairman.
The council boss stressed the need to join hands to jealously protect and not destroy the peace, progress and development as such cannot thrive in an atmosphere of chaos, communal conflicts and threats to peace.
He warned those who believe in destructive criticisms and evil machinations to be mindful of the fact that ‘the evil that men do; live with and after them’, pledging his administration’s continued magnanimity and large heart to contain all shades of opinion and diverse interests.
Onuk, however, appealed to all to always lend a helping hand to the dependents of the ex-servicemen, especially the widows and children, as well as the surviving veterans who are incapacitated and weak.
In his address, the Chairman, Itu Area Council of the Legion, Major Archibong Eniang, appreciated the magnanimity of the state government for donating N155,000,000 to the living veterans and the widows of the fallen heroes at different times to boost their respective businesses.
He called for assistance from the Itu Council to raise an office space for the LGA’s chapter of the Legion.
