The Akwa Ibom State Government has described the retiring state Commissioner of Police (CP), Mr. Gabriel Omara Achong, as “diligent, committed and a dedicated police officer, whose sound conducts were worthy of emulation” by his subjects.

Governor Udom Emmanuel, represented by his Deputy, Mr. Moses Ekpo, showered the praises on Mr. Achong during his symbolic pull out ceremony from the Nigeria Police Force, held at the Uyo sports stadium.

The retirement of Mr. Achong, which was received with mixed feelings by officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force, after he had served the mandatory 35 years in the police force, however witnessed an elaborate ceremony, including slow step and quick steps parade, mounted by three guards in honour of Mr. Achong.

The officers and men of the force, who trooped into the venue in their numbers from different formations, physically excited in their joy to bid farewell to their boss, told News Express at the occasion that they would “miss the outspoken PC.” They however described the pull out ceremony as “very colourful.”

News Express reports that Achong, joined the Nigeria Police Force on August 1, 1980 as Cadet Inspector, and had served in different police units in the country.

In Akwa Ibom State, Achong had earlier served as Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Ini, Mbo, Ikot Ekpene and Ikot Abasi Local Government Areas.

Achong, who is married and blessed with children, hails from Mbube in Ogoja Local Government Area of the neighbouring Cross River State.

•Photo shows ex-CP Achong.