Boko Haram: Dickson Calls for More Support for Armed Forces
The Governor of Bayelsa State, Seriake Dickson, yesterday called on political leaders and Nigerians to give more backing to the men of the Armed Forces in the fight against the Boko Haram insurgents in the North East.
A statement by his Special Adviser on Media Relations, Mr. Fidelis Soriwei, said the governor spoke when he paid a condolence visit to the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, at the NAF Headquarters, Abuja, over the death of Bayelsa-born Flight Lt. Pereowei Jacob, and four others in a helicopter crash a few weeks ago.
The Governor said that it was necessary for leaders across Nigeria to give priority to support the efforts of the men of the Armed Forces, some of who have paid the supreme price.
He said that the condolence visit was meant not only to mourn and grieve with the NAF, but to also encourage the military and security agencies on the ongoing combat against the insurgents.
The governor also promised to visit the widow of the late pilot to announce the support of the Bayelsa State Govern- ment and urged Nigerian leaders to support families left behind by the security personnel.
“We are saddened by the loss of these very brilliant, dedicated, promising officers. The Government and people of Bayelsa are further saddened that the pilot who died in that incident, Pereowei Jacob, was a Bayelsan.
“The government feels that we should visit you, to condole with you, your officers, the airmen and women. I will also be visiting the family, especially the young widow who was married and stayed with her husband for just about three weeks before this sad incidence.
“Bayelsa mourns with you, Bayelsa grieves with you but above all, we are here to show solidarity with you, the Air Force and indeed the military in the efforts that are being made to keep the country safe.
“I want to use this opportunity to call for more support for the Armed Forces. I call on all Nigerians and leaders to join hands to support the work of the military and security agencies in containing the insurgency. Every one is paying a price. Your officers and men have once again paid the supreme price.
“And we are here to acknowledge the contributions and sacrifices of your men and indeed all the officers to keep the country safe.”
In his remarks, the Air Chief said that the helicopter crash that led to the unfortunate death of the Air Force personnel would not discourage the service from intensifying the onslaught against the insurgents.
He said that the NAF was focused and working hard to carry out its statutory responsibility of protecting the territorial integrity of Nigeria.