TINUBU: NO ROOM FOR CELEBRATION UNTIL MILITARY ENDS INSECURITY, RETURNS TO NIGERIA
evening at the Presidential wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, about 8:55pm.
Tinubu, who had left for France on January 24, was received at the airport by top government officials, including Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume; the president's Chief of Staff, Hon Femi Gbajabiamila; National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu; and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.
At the airport also were Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani; Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri; Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), and Alhaji Yusuf Magaji Bichi, among others.
The president's latest trip to France was the third since he became president, and second private visit, one being official. The first was in June 2023, three weeks after assuming office, while the second was in September 2023.
Tinubu, who was apparently worried by the rising security challenges bedevilling Nigeria, urged the security agencies to step up efforts at containing the multi-dimensional security problems facing the country.
He gave the charge during the induction ceremony of two TK-129 ATAK Helicopters and a King Air 360i Aircraft at the Nigeria Air Force (NAF) Base, Makurdi.
The president reiterated his administration's continued support to the country's security forces through the modernisation of fleets, training, and welfare of personnel, and called for change in mind-set, tactics, and strategy.
The appeal came as the senate, yesterday, said it would grill the service chiefs today and tomorrow over the insecurity in the country.
Represented by Shettima, Tinubu admitted that coordination among security agencies had improved significantly, but he declared it was not yet uhuru.
The president said, "There is no room for celebrations until we put an end to the security logjam; until we can bring our troops back to their localities, and until we can free up resources for our critical economic expansion programme.
"I have no doubt that the deployment of these platforms would add impetus to the combat efficiency of the Nigerian Air Force in addressing our contemporary security challenges, not only within the shores of our country but also in the West African region.
“We are committed to taking the right steps to achieve the desired results. The acquisition of these aircraft amongst other military equipment, despite our budgetary constraints, is an expression of our commitment.”
Tinubu added, “We shall ensure that every sector of our nation benefits from the change that we promised. I, therefore, expect discipline in operation and a strong maintenance culture that will enable the nation to derive maximum benefits from these acquisitions."
The president recalled the inauguration and induction of four additional Diamond-62 surveillance aircraft into the arsenal of the Nigerian Air Force about two months ago, saying it is a symbol of his government's enduring commitment to the ideals of patriotism and investment in the nation's security.
He said, “Indeed, our solemn commitment to safeguarding Nigeria's security hinges upon the realisation that without vigilant attention to the needs of our Armed Forces, who are saddled with the maintenance of peace, law, order and stability, anarchy and lawlessness would surely prevail."
Tinubu said the acquisition of aircraft had become necessary to improve the strategic use of air power in combating terrorism, insurgency and other security challenges plaguing the nation.
He said since the Nigerian Air Force was established in 1964, it had played a critical role in national security, peace-keeping, and humanitarian operations globally.
The president stated that its "contributions to the sustenance and maintenance of peace and security in places, like The Gambia, Guinea Conakry, Mozambique, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Mali, Guinea Bissau and Cameroun, have not only a source of pride to Nigeria, but have projected the nation as a reliable regional power.
"This is, indeed, most commendable, just as the Nigerian Air Force continues to synergise with other security agencies in curtailing the threats posed by terrorists, insurgents and other criminal elements in the country."
Recalling a promise during his inaugural speech last year that security would be the top priority of his administration, the president said about six months after the pledge, "So much has been achieved due to the gallant and synergistic efforts of our various security agencies."
Tinubu assured that "professionalism, capacity building and adequate equipping of our Armed Forces and other security agencies are a major policy thrust" of his administration.
He reiterated that under his watch, the federal government "will continue to re-professionalise and re-equip the armed forces and security agencies to effectively discharge their duties to our nation."
He stated that as Chairman of ECOWAS, he was working diligently to enhance regional conflict management and development mechanisms.
Inducting the aircraft and helicopters, the president said, "Finally, I congratulate the Chief of the Air Staff and all the personnel of the Air Force on this occasion of the