The Pro-Chancellor of the University of Calabar, General Martin Luther Agwai has solicited for the collaboration of security agencies in Cross River State to safeguard the lives and property of the tertiary institution.
General Agwai, who was in Calabar on a familiarization visit to the institution alongside other members of the university governing council, made the call during separate courtesy visits to the office of the Governor of Cross River State, Professor Ben Ayade and the Commissioner for Police, Cross River State Command, Aminu Alhassan.
At the Cross River State Police Command, General Agwai expressed appreciation to the Police Commissioner and his team for working closely with the University of Calabar management to maintain peace and order.
He said, “we are thankful to the command for your support to the university. We have come here as a council to seek your continued support and collaboration in maintaining peace and orderliness in the institution.”
The Pro-Chancellor requested for greater police presence on campus to sustain peace and forestall invasion of the community by miscreants, urging “we also appeal that you organize special training courses your personnel, who would be operating on campus for optimal combat and mental alertness.”
Impacting campus policing
Responding, the Police Commissioner, Aminu Alhassan assured of adequate security on the campus noting that the university management had a cordial relationship with the command.
Alhassan promised that the command would enhance the operational efficiency of the policemen on campus, saying “I want to assure you of the state command’s support and collaboration in maintaining a peaceful environment for both students and staff.
“We are also going to train some of our personnel with a view to impact the needed security tips and knowledge on campus policing. The University is a place for research and teaching, we will do our best to maintain our presence there always,” he further assured.
Securing the waterfront
Meanwhile, the deputy governor of Cross River State, Professor Ivara Esu also played host to the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the University of Calabar Governing Council.
The Professor Esu, who represented the governor, Professor Ben Ayade, disclosed that the Nigerian Navy was planning to establish a base at the institution’s waterfront.
Esu underscored the importance of establishing a naval base at the riverine boundary of the tertiary institution, stating “I want to inform you that we have agreed in our last security meeting that we establish a naval base at the riverine area of the university to stem cases of insecurity on campus.
“Most of the bad boys were using the riverside to strike into the university community. We are passionate about UNICAL; we will do our best to ensure the security of students and staff.
“For me as a person, I’m very concerned because I was a Vice Chancellor of the prestigious University of Calabar,” he said.
In an earlier remark, the Pro-Chancellor appealed to the state government to address the incessant encroachment on the institutions land by some individuals and surrounding communities.
Also speaking, the Vice Chancellor of the university, Professor Florence Obi expressed appreciation to the state government and the police for responding to the security needs of the student and staff.
She assured of continued synergy with the Cross River State Government and the Police Command.
Ime N
