Minister of State for Defence, Chief Michael Onolememen, said weekend, that insecurity situation in the Niger Delta region is worrisome, and is making the Federal Government very uncomfortable .
He said the push for peace in the region is to be renewed, to make the area conducive for development and business, adding that top on the mandate given to him and the Minister for Defence, Ambassador Thomas Aguiyi-Ironsi, by President Olusegun Obasanjo include improving the combat readiness of officers and men of the military and ensuring that the Nigerian Air Force is well -quipped to face the challenges of present day Nigeria.
Onolememem said despite the daunting problem of insecurity in the Niger Delta area, Aguiyi-Ironsi, is on top of the situation.
He said ” I am from Niger Delta area.What is going on in the area is quite unfortunate. Nobody can be comfortable with it. We will continue to appeal for peace, because without peace, you cannot achieve anything. No meaningful development can take place in the absence of peace. The Federal Government is more than ever determined to bring peace in the area through dialogue�.
He, however, said the economic loss the coutry continued to incur in the area remains unaceptable and assured that, �We will continue to appeal for peace in the area. The minister will certainly do something to achieve lasting peace�.
One his plan of action for the minister, he said the hand over note given to him was challenging, adding “we will work to increase the equipment level of the military. We will also improve the combat readiness of officers and men of the armed forces. I will specifically ensure that our Air Force is well-equipped to face present day challenges.�