The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu has expressed appreciation to the governor of Bayelsa state, Senator Douye Diri, for his support to the Nigerian Army’s contributions to the state.
He commended the governor ‘s commitment to enhancing security and promoting peace in the region which underscores the synergy between the military and government of the state.
General Shaibu also used the opportunity to commiserate with the Bayelsa State Government and people on the death of the Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, describing the loss as painful and significant to both the state and the nation.
The COAS made this known during a courtesy visit to the Governor, Senator Diri, at the Government House in Yenagoa, as part of his maiden operational tour of the 6 Division Area of Responsibility.
According to a statement signed by the Acting Director Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the Army Chief also commended the State Government for its sustained support to Nigerian Army formations in the state, particularly the 16 Brigade.
General Shaibu noted that the consistent cooperation between the state government and the Nigerian Army remains critical to operational effectiveness, troop welfare and the maintenance of security across Bayelsa State.
He specifically praised Governor Diri for the construction and donation of nine units of three-bedroom Senior Non-Commissioned Officers quarters and two blocks of nine units of two-bedroom Non-Commissioned Officers apartments for troops of the 16 Brigade, describing the intervention as timely and impactful.
The COAS said the accommodation facilities would significantly ease housing challenges faced by personnel, boost morale and enhance operational efficiency within the Brigade.
He also observed notable infrastructural improvements across Bayelsa State since his last visit about five years ago and assured the Governor of the Nigerian Army’s continued collaboration with the state government in ensuring peace, security and stability.
In his response, Governor Diri appreciated the COAS for the visit and reaffirmed the unwavering support of the Bayelsa State Government for the Nigerian Army and other security agencies operating in the state.
The Governor commended the Armed Forces for their sacrifices in safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial integrity, noting that sustained collaboration between the military, other security agencies and the state government has contributed significantly to the prevailing peace and security in Bayelsa State.
He formally handed over the newly completed accommodation facilities to the Nigerian Army and pledged the continued commitment of the state government to improving the welfare of troops deployed in the state.
The visit further reinforced civil-military relations between the Nigerian Army and the Bayelsa State Government, with a focus on sustaining peace and enhancing operational effectiveness within the 6 Division Area of Responsibility.
Lateefah Ibrahim