As part of efforts to combat security challenges in the State, the Speaker of the 10th Assembly, Rt Hon Elvert Ayambem, was in the office of the Brigade Commander, 13 Brigade, Akim Barracks, Calabar.
The Speaker noted that ” it would be an arbitration for him and the Members not to visit the command to familiarize with the Army and foster ways of tackling the security challenges across the State” adding that the pressure of duty has kept some Members behind, otherwise the entire Assembly planned to be part of the visit.
Ayambem, solicited the support of the Nigerian Army through the Brigade Commander to purge the state of the increasing security challenges.
The Speaker maintained that as a Barracks boy, he knows the strength of the Military adding that the courtesy call is meant to strengthen relationships.
His words ” Cross River State recently is placed with the high level of criminality and this visit will afford us the latitude to always put calls across to you for your interventions” urging the Army to always be on alert, noting that
“The Military is the last point, if their role is compromised the country will no longer be secured” Speaker commended the Commander for his intelligence, high-level maturity, and discipline inculcated in the soldiers.
The Speaker called on the Commander, Officers, and Men of the Armed Forces, whom he described as having the numbers, to support the administration of His Excellency, Sen. Prince Bassey Otu in the area of combating security.
In his response, the Brigade Commander, Brigadier General, Elvert Ifeanyi Okoro, who express gratitude for the visit, thanked the Speaker and members for finding them worthy of the visit.
Brig. Gen. Okoro noted that the “Brigade is one of the oldest in the Country, Haven been established in 1967, before the Nigeria civil war and had participated in several military operations and campaigns in Nigeria,” including “Operation Harmony” which he said was a joined operations with the Republic of Cameron, to take care of the Bakassi disputed Land” Okoro added
The Brigade Commander noted that it was the first time any House of Assembly have visited the Brigade, maintaining that part of their mandate is to protect the Territorial Boundaries of the Country in Cross River State, considering the long lines boundaries and the coastal line.
The 46th Commander of the 13th Brigade, Calabar said the Command alongside other military formations in Cross River, has been maintaining law and order to ensure peace in the state and to allow law-abiding citizens to go about their duties without molestations.
The Brigade Commander of the 13th Brigade, is a Distinguished Service Star, Dss, fss+ among numerous awards, and training he has attended including the Chief of Army Staff Distinguish Service Award of Excellence, among others.
The visit in attendance was the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Sylvester Agabi, and the Chairman House Committee on Security, Hon. Linus Bassey.
Others are Hon.Samuel Neji Abang, Hon. Martin’s Achadu, Hon. Mercy Akpama, as well as Hon. Rita Agbo Ayim, and Hon. Ogbang Francis.
High-point was the exchange of plaques between the State Assembly and the 13th Brigade.