Akwa Ibom State governor, Umo Eno, has urged parents to take the upbringing of their children seriously in the interest of their future and society.

Mr Eno made the call at the May edition of the state Government House monthly prayer service held at the Latter House Chapel, Governor’s Lodge Uyo.

He said that every good society was anchored on good and focussed parenting, saying, “No good parent will teach a child to carry a gun. Anyone who carries a gun, axe or any other weapon to attack others is hoodlums and shall be treated as such. As a state, we are prepared to build our youths to become responsible citizens but parents must do their part by instilling discipline in them.’

The governor urged youths in the state to be hardworking and law- abiding in the interest of their future and society.

He said that his administration would never negotiate with hoodlums, but would support security agencies to secure and protect the lives and property of the citizenry.

He stated, “I will not give money to appease anybody not to make trouble. Those who confront security agencies with weapons will be dealt with. We are gathering evidence. We know what is happening. I will not negotiate, I will not do it.’’’

In his message, Apostle S. A. Isaiah of the Apostolic Church said that God prepared men before presenting them for public service.

“God does not bring anyone to a throne without specific assignments,” he said.

He urged Akwa Ibom people to strengthen unity and support the Umo Eno-led government towards providing better services for them.

(NAN)