Rivers State Deputy Governor, Sir Gabriel Toby, has called on the Nigerian Air Force to give more premium to its operations in the Niger Delta, in view of its air power which is strategic in securing the water ways and creeks.
Toby made the call while playing host to the Air Officer Commanding the Tactical Air Command, Makurdi, AVM Neldon Dilli, at Government House, Port Harcourt.
Toby, who rated Air Force operations in the region very high, said there was the need to provide more facilities for the 97 Special Operations Group, to continue its superlative performances of “quiet and efficient response to security calls in the Niger Delta region.”
Describing the state as chief host of the international community, Toby urged the Federal Government to strengthen the Air Force to play its complimentary roles, and commended the Nigerian Army and Navy for working together with the Air Force to stabilise security situation in the area.
According to him, “you can have the best of men trained, you can have the best of farmers, but if you don’t give the farmer the implement with which to farm, you are wasting the day.”
While appealing to the relevant authorities to ensure that the Air Force was well equipped to carry out their operations in the Niger Delta, Sir Toby reminded them of the strategic corporate responsibility that the region is carrying on behalf of the nation and thanked the Air Force for their good rapport with the citizens and government of the state.
Earlier, the Air Officer Commanding the Tactical Air Command, Makurdi, AVM Nelson Dilli had commended Governor Odili led government and the people for their assistance to the Air Force.
AVM Dilli, who said he was on his maiden visit to the state to familiarize himself with formations under his command, said he was much more excited by the cordial relationship between the people of the state and Air Force.
He said that as professionals, the force remains totally loyal to government aqnd responsive to the communities in which they operate, noting that differencies between officers and men of the force and the civil society should be seen as mere human differences that will improve their relationship in future.
Oct92006