TheCable

The government of Akwa Ibom state has kicked against the setting up of a police anti-terrorism unit (ATU), describing it as a ploy by the All Progressives Congress (APC) to intimidate and arrest members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state.

In a statement on Thursday, Charles Udoh, commissioner of information, said a functional ATU would arrest anyone on trumped up charges of acts of terrorism as the 2019 polls draws near.

Udoh said the government frowns at the attempt of the police to “portray Akwa Ibom as a terrorist enclave in Nigeria.”

“It has come to the notice of Akwa Ibom State government that the state command of the Nigeria Police Force has concluded plans to set up an Anti-Terrorism Unit in the state,” he said.

“Clearly, judging from all indices that precede the creation of such sensitive anti-crime unit, creating an Anti-Terrorism Unit in Akwa Ibom at this time is suspect. The question is, of what use is an Anti-Terrorism Unit in one of the most peaceful states in Nigeria?

“We are concerned that the setting up of the Anti-Terrorism Unit is part of the ground work and ploy of the opposition party in the State, the All APC, to illegally intimidate, harass and arrest government functionaries and the leadership of the PDP in the state

“It is the consensus of Nigerians that such sensitive section as the Anti-Terrorism Unit be activated and logistically mobilized to effectively function in parts of Nigeria where insurgency is rife, especially in the north-eastern region, where lives of innocent Nigerians are lost on a daily basis.”

The commissioner said the creation of an ATU would cause unwarranted tension among the peace-loving citizens of the state.

“This is absolutely unnecessary at this point in time especially if you take into account, the comments of the GoC 6 Division of the Nigerian Army; who during a visit to the state publicly described Akwa Ibom state as the most peaceful in the Niger Delta region,” he said.

“It is also on record that not too long ago, the Emir of Kano led a team of investors seeking investment opportunities to the state. The business interest of the revered Traditional Ruler in our state further underscores the importance of the peace, safety and security the current administration has engendered.

“Indeed, this has been a catalyst for the fast-paced development the state has witnessed since the inception of the Udom Emmanuel’s administration.

“Only recently the PDP Vice Presidential Candidate, HE Peter Obi remarked that The Economist has listed Uyo as one of the fastest growing cities in Africa. It is also imperative to add that; today, the most common remark on the lips of every Akwa Ibomite about the security situation in the state is ” I can now sleep with my two eyes closed.

“How can such a state need an Anti-Terrorism Unit? The plan is therefore suspect. On this score, Akwa Ibom State Government requests that the State Police Command puts on hold, the plans to set up an Anti-Terrorism Unit in Akwa Ibom, as the present administration will continue its collaboration with all security agencies in the state, including the Nigeria Police, to ensure the safety of lives and property at all times.”

Efforts to reach Jimoh Moshood, police spokesman, for a reaction were not successful.