Tamale, April 8, GNA - The Northern Regional Minister, Alhaji Seidu Iddi on Saturday on behalf of the Regional Co-ordinating Council (RCC) and the chiefs and people, commended the security agencies for sustaining absolute peace in the region.

He said the dedicated service exhibited during and after the northern ethnic conflict is worth appreciating by all peace loving people. Alhaji Iddi made the commendation at a send-off party organised in honour of DCOP Mr John Holly Aklamanu, Northern Regional Police Commander who is proceeding on leave prior to retirement after 42 years of active service.

He said the region and nation owes a lot of gratitude to the security agencies for their role in creating peaceful atmosphere in the midst of a number of crisis situations.

Alhaji Iddi described Mr Aklamanu's maturity, tolerance, sense of duty and zeal in handling security situation as unique and worth emulating by all. More BEN NAT10 Send - Off 2 Tamale Alhaji Iddi said: "You must all play your roles in your capacities at not only ensuring peace and rule of law in the society but by striving to cement cordial inter police-community relations for the socio-economic development of the country."

Mr G.A. Manu, Deputy Regional Police Commander in a welcoming address described Mr Aklamanu as a selfless and astute leader who has worked tirelessly for almost 42 years with an unblemished record. He commended the out-going commander for also helping to resolve problems of conflict in the Alavanyo, Nkonya, Peki and Tsito areas of the Volta region.

Mr Aklamanu thanked the RCC, chiefs and people of the region, the security council and officers and men of the service for co-operating with him during his term of office. He advised serving security personnel to learn to be patient and tolerant and be prepared to serve the country. Various parting gifts were presented to him and his family.