The Speaker, Akwa Ibom House of Assembly, Mr Aniekan Bassey, has appealed to the Federal Government to assist the state in curbing the incessant activities of sea pirates and criminals along the waterways.
Bassey made the appeal in Uyo on Monday when the executive members of Uruan Inyang Atakpo Fisheries Association, Adadia Beach Marine Transporters Association and Outboard Engine and Timber Producers Welfare Association paid him a courtesy visit.
He said the activities of sea pirates in the waterways across the state hadbeen on the increase and required adequate security measures.
According to him, the continuous attack on fishing boats and passengers by sea pirates hadposed a threat to the economy of the state and that of the nation.
The speaker appealed to the Federal Government to come to the rescue of the people and strengthen security on Akwa Ibom waterways by putting up police posts and deploying marine police and other security personnel to man the waterways.
He noted that work would soon start on the site of the access road project, urging the people to make security the responsibility of all, not government alone.
Earlier, the leader of the delegation, Comrade Eyo Ottoh, said the security challenges confronting the people of Uruan and the state in the waterways had become a myriad.
“Sea pirates raped and maim our women, extort money, seize goods, outboard engines and boats
“These have imposed untold hardship on dealers who forgo their businesses for safety.
“Most of our members are out of business for lack of capital, some are struggling to pay back bank loans. So many of us have no source of livelihood,” he said.
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