By Fisayo Akinduro
The National Commandant of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), Prof. Abubakar Audi, has commended the Governor of Ondo State, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, for his support for the operations of security agencies in the state.
Prof. Audi gave the commendation, when he led a team of officers of the Corps on a courtesy visit to the Governor at the Presidential Lodge of the Government House in Akure.
The NSCDC boss disclosed that Aiyedatiwa is one of the very few governors offering operational support to the Corps, which has strengthened the partnership between the government and security agencies in the state.
He said: “Your Excellency, I am in Ondo State for operational activities and it is important for me to pay you a visit to appreciate all your efforts towards enhancing the security of this State.
“I can say that just like your predecessor (late Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu) did, you are one of the few governors in Nigeria that we have identified as giving tremendous support for our operations.
“In doing this, you have demonstrated exceptional leadership and all we can do is to continue to support the government in providing adequate security for the people of Ondo State.
“We are here on the ground to access the situation and to further motivate our men who are working very hard. We are satisfied with what we have seen so far and we will continue to collaborate with the government and other security agencies to enhance the security and safety of the people and national assets domiciled in Ondo State”
Responding, Governor Aiyedatiwa thanked the Commandant for the visit and the efforts of the men and women of the NSCDC towards fortifying the security of the state.
The governor said since its establishment, the NSCDC has continued to live up to task on internal security, especially in preventing oil theft and pipeline vandalisation.
Aiyedatiwa, who said the state has had its share of security challenges in recent past, added that no state is completely immune from threats, but security agencies in the state have been up to the task.
He stressed that the recently leaked intelligence report from one security agency to another “shows that our security agencies are working together and collaborating effectively to secure our communites and our people.”
The governor promised to continue to give the needed support to the security agencies in the state as encouragement for the wonderful jobs they are doing.
The governor had last week convened an emergency high-level State Security Council meeting in a decisive move to address public concerns and reinforce government’s readiness to confront any threat head-on.
The governor made it clear that the security and stability of the state are non-negotiable, emphasising that his administration will respond swiftly, firmly, and effectively to any attempt to undermine the peace of the state.
The governor commended the security chiefs for their comprehensive briefings and assured them that the state government will provide the necessary logistics, intelligence support, and operational backing required to stay ahead of any potential threat.