The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Adesola Amosu, on Monday expressed the determination of the air force to restore stability in the North-East before the 2015 general elections.
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Amosu made the pledge at the palace of the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu I, during a courtesy call on the monarch in Lagos.
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“I have been involved in operations in the North East, so now that I have taken over, we will expedite action in ensuring that stability returns to the region.
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“We promise that peace will be restored to the region so that elections can take place come 2015.”
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He pleaded for the cooperation of traditional rulers and the public to enable him to achieve his set target.
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The air chief disclosed that more young people were need in the military to make them to be usefully engaged.
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“We will work with Deji Jakande and Rafeequat Onabamire to ensure we get Lagosians to join the force.
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“We need to concentrate more on the youths so that we can have peace because without peace, development will not come to Nigeria.
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“So we need to mobilise them so that we can contribute and bring the desired peace to Nigeria.
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“The time frame at which we will achieve this is not important. What is important is our determination to succeed,” he said.
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He stressed the need for security agencies to cooperate with the armed forces in ensuring that security was top priority in the country.
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Amosu disclosed that President Goodluck Jonathan had put measures in place to ensure that the armed forces received needed funds.
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Akiolu stressed the need for Nigerian politicians to be close to God and be honest in their dealings with the people in the interest of the country’s development.
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“I am not a politician but any party that is anti-Lagos will not see my good eye.
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“I always tell people that politicians don’t quarrel rather they play on our intelligence,” he said.
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Akiolu urged the air chief to do his job diligently and work in concert with other service chief to curb terrorism in the country.
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“Don’t allow sub-standard elements into the force.
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“You need to be firm but fair when dealing with your men and they in turn will be pillars that will support your vision,” Akiolu stated.
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In his comment, a member of the House of Representatives Committee on Defence, Deji Jakande, pledged the support of the National Assembly to the armed forces as they battled terrorism and general insecurity.
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“We will give the armed forces our support, especially in ensuring that they get the required funds to fight insecurity,” Jakande assured.
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