The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd.), has commended Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, for his purposeful leadership, attributing the prevailing peace in the state to governance that prioritises the welfare of citizens.
Musa made the remarks during a courtesy visit to the Government House in Uyo, where he pointed to visible development across the state, including well-maintained roads and improved infrastructure.
He said he had followed the administration’s ARISE Agenda closely, noting that it reflects a clear commitment to improving the living standards of the people.
“My prayer is that others will also watch and see what has been done, and to know that these things are possible. It’s not rocket science,” he said.
The minister, who was in the state to deliver a convocation lecture at Akwa Ibom State University, expressed appreciation to the governor for the warm reception and the opportunity to engage with the academic community.
He observed that the relative peace in the state is largely the result of a governance approach that places citizens at the centre of policy decisions.
Speaking on national security, Musa highlighted the Federal Government’s strategy of combining force with effective governance to address security challenges.
“President Bola Tinubu has done well, so part of the things we are doing to assist the government of the day is to deploy both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches.
”The kinetic involves the use of force, while the non-kinetic is good governance, which you are demonstrating here in Akwa Ibom,” he said.
He also commended Governor Eno for supporting the 2 Brigade of the Nigerian Army and other security agencies operating in the state, assuring that the Armed Forces remain committed to protecting lives and property nationwide.
In his response, Governor Eno thanked the Defence Minister for accepting to deliver the convocation lecture and acknowledged his contributions to national security.
He congratulated Musa on his appointment, describing him as one of the country’s most respected military officers.
The governor also expressed condolences over the loss of military personnel in recent operations and called for continued support for security agencies in Akwa Ibom to sustain peace and stability.
Governor Eno attributed the calm environment in the state to the collaboration among security agencies and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting them in carrying out their responsibilities.
