Youths numbering about 5,000 in the state have rallied support for the continous stay of Musa Kimo, Akwa Ibom Commissioner of Police, pointing out that he is doing a good job in the state.
Mr Iniobong John, the APC Youth Caucus Chairman in the state, who stated this on Thursday when they paid a solidarity visit on Kimo at Akwa Ibom Police Command Headquarters, Ikot Akpan Abia in Uyo, commended him for effective policing of the state.
Recall that some weeks ago, some armed police personnel were alleged to have escorted the sacked five members of Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly for defecting from Peoples Democratic Party, PDP to All Progressives Congress, APC into the hallowed chamber of the house to conduct their legislative business.
Angered by the purported action of the police, Govenor Udom Emmanuel, Luke, the House speaker, PDP in the state and Legislative Wives Association (LEWA) members called for re-deployment of Musa Kimo on allegation that the police were complicit in the crisis that ensued.
John attributed the recent crisis in Akwa Ibom House of Assembly on Governor Udom Emmanuel to the alleged sponsorship of some thugs by the governor to cause mayhem in the house.
He regretted that Governor Emmanuel government has not performed creditably, citing cases of joblessness and hunger among the people in the state as signs of his poor performance.
John described the youths of the state as ‘respectable, decent, intelligent and law abiding,’ who would not allow themselves to be used wrongly.
He advised the governor against trading tantrums on Akwa Ibom elders who had contributed to the development of the state.
“For the past three year and six months, it might interest you to know that the leadership in Akwa Ibom State has been in comatose.
“Few weeks ago, the governor allegedly sponsored thugs outside this state because the youths of this state are decent people who would not have followed him.
“He decided to pay some youths from Rivers and Cross River states to come and lay siege in the State House of Assembly.
“He personally led the thugs and I am sure your investigative units have seen the destruction of vehicles of various House members especially the opposition.
“Governor Udom Emmanuel has decided to pay people outside Akwa Ibom with uniform to cause problem across this state and we want to say that must stop,” John said.
Also speaking, Mr Bassey Awah, Publicity Secretary of the State APC Youths Congress commended the Inspector General of Police for resisting pressure by the state Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to re-deploy the present Commissioner of Police.
He alleged that the recent purported defection of party members to the PDP was staged as the defectors were members of PDP, describing the incident as a scam.
The group, however, observed a minute silence for people who died when Reigners Bible Church, Uyo collapsed in 2016.
Responding, Kimo assured the youths of the determination of the police to protect the lives and properties of people in the state.
Kimo said the police would be professional in handling its duties, assuring that it would be fair to all in the coming elections without any favouritism.
“We appreciate your support for the good work the police are doing and we promise that we are going to do more for the safety of life and property under the leadership of the CP, Musa Kimo and promised that the police will do their job professionally and there will be no favouritism for anyone.
“Akwa Ibom deserves good policing, security of lives and property and we are promising you that in the next election, there will be no nonsense.
“Everything will go as normal, there will be nobody that will control the police. Be rest assured that the police will not work for anybody.
“We are going to work for the people of Akwa Ibom State. Justice will be done and equity will be displayed,” he said.
