Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has lauded the Nigerian Air Force for the role the agency played in dislodging the dreaded Boko Haram terrorists in the North East.
Speaking on Monday during a Courtesy Visit to Government House, Port Harcourt by Air Commodore Mahmud Madi, the Commander of the Nigerian Air Force 115 Special Operations Group, Governor Wike noted that without the air power of the Air Force, it would have been difficult to dislodge the terrorists from their strongholds.
He said: “Nigerian Air Force has done very well in the fight against Boko Haram in the North East.
“Without your air power, it would have been difficult to dislodge the Boko Haram terrorists “.
The governor added: “I want to commend the Nigerian Air Force for the sacrifices you have made for the security of the country. Please keep it up “.
The governor also lauded the Nigerian Air Force for being apolitical as they focus their attention on security issues.
He said that the people of Rivers State enjoy a good working relationship with the Nigerian Air Force because the security agency has never been indicted for the snatching of electoral materials during elections.
He said: “The only problem I have with security agencies is when they get themselves involved in the snatching of electoral materials.
“The Nigerian Air Force and the Nigerian Navy have always kept away from electoral malpractices. Our relationship will continue to wax stronger as long as the Nigerian Air Force concentrates on security matters”.
The governor also called on the Nigerian AirForce to assist the State Government to stop street trading on Aba Road near the Air Force Base. The governor urged the Nigerian Air Force to release the plot of land near the base for the State Government to construct a modern park for the relocation of vehicles that park by the road close to the Air Force Base.
Earlier, Air Commodore Mahmud Madi, the Commander of the Nigerian Air Force 115 Special Operations Group assured that the group will work towards enhancing the security of the state.
Air Commodore Mahmud Madi called on the governor to assist the group with logistics in the discharge of their duties.
