Umo Eno, the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, has asked stakeholders in the state's three senatorial districts to establish neighborhood watch groups to protect government property in their areas.
He mentioned that the government will stop investing in these facilities if they are damaged.
Eno made these comments on Saturday during the April edition of the Government House Monthly Prayer Service at the Later House Chapel, Governor’s Lodge, Uyo.
He emphasized that the government is committed to serving all communities in the state and will no longer tolerate replacing damaged facilities in some communities while others have none.
He expressed disappointment that many of the transformers, which were purchased and distributed by the previous administration, have been vandalized.
He stated, “People live in these communities, so when the government provides a transformer for your community and you cannot protect it or establish a system to safeguard it, and they get vandalized and you request replacement. Realize that we have many communities in this state and will not replace newly-installed transformers if the residents do not appreciate their value.
He added, “You need to form a neighborhood watch or vigilante to safeguard those transformers and other government property near you.
“These facilities belong to all of us, so be concerned about them,” he urged.
The governor mentioned that his first anniversary is approaching, and the list of projects to be commissioned will be announced soon. He appealed to stakeholders to participate in the anniversary activities.
He lamented the attempt by some individuals to hijack and undermine the government’s efforts to reach out to the elderly citizens through the ARISE Elders Initiative, clarifying that it is intended for all citizens, not just PDP members.
