Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State has attributed the relative peace experienced in the state in the last couple of years to extraordinary talent, professionalism and competence exhibited by the outgoing Director of the Department of the State Security Service (DSS), Mr. T. C. Minti, and his Deputy, Mr. Fubara Duke.

The governor stated this during a send forth dinner organised for the outgoing security chiefs at Le Meridien Hotel & Ibom Gulf Resort.

He acknowledged that it is difficult to bid them farewell as they have worked selflessly in the discharge of their duties thereby proving their mettle as security chiefs of the highest order. He said that their degrees of service intelligence have reduced crime to the barest minimum and commended them for the positive attitude towards service delivery.

He spoke of the dinner held in their honour as a little measure of appreciation in view of their commitment to duties and solicits for such measure of cooperation from the people of the state as well as their officers to enable their successors sustain the feat recorded in the state

Earlier in their speeches, the State Commissioner of Police Mr. Gabriel Achong, State Chairman Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON) Isantim Kenneth Okon and Senator Effiong Bob commended the security chiefs for their meritorious services to the state and wish them successes in their carrier.

The Security Directors, Mr. Fubara Duke and Mr. T.C. Minti, in their remarks observed that it is rare to find service chiefs being sent forth in a spectacular way such that is done in the state.

They attributed their feat to a team work approach made possible by the combine team of all the security forces in the State. Mr. Minti particularly appreciated men of the State Security Service for their hard-work which has brought about the success story and appeal for such cooperation among the men to the incoming Directors.

The colourful event was spiced with performance by Modern Voice Cultural Troupe, comedy session and special performance by saxophonist David Eka who treated the audience to hilarious tunes as the danced and bid farewell to the security chiefs.

•Photo shows Governor Udom Emmanuel.