Aregbesola Lauds Military For Role In Sustaining Democracy

Rauf-AregbesolaOSUN State Governor Rauf Aregbesola yesterday commended the Nigerian military for their role in sustenance of democratic governance, saying adherence to professionalism has helped in nurturing the fledging democracy in Nigeria.

He observed that the Nigerian military had kept faith with the nation’s constitution in line with the universal norms of allowing democracy to thrive irrespective of the challenges that might crop up.

Aregbesola, who spoke in Abuja during a courtesy call on the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshall Muhammed Umar, expressed delight that the nation had cause to celebrate for assuming a pride of place in democratic tenets.

In a statement by the Director, Bureau of Communications and Strategy, Mr Semiu Okanlawon, the governor said: “I must register my impression of the military and by extension, the Air Force composed of men of high integrity. I again see the Nigerian Air Force as a formidable force and organization and a projection of a fantastic image Nigeria is proud of.”

According to the governor, the visit to the Chief of Staff was intended to seek collaboration in the development of the Air Force Aeronautic Engineering Service at Ipetu-Ijesa and his administration’s readiness to re-develop the moribund and abandoned airport at Ido-Osun also in the state.

“Our readiness to collaborate with the Nigerian Air Force for the re-development of the Ido-Osun Air Base for the use of the Force is a measure that will equally guarantee a level of security for the people of Osun State,” Aregbesola stated

He underscored the importance of the two facilities to guaranteeing security of the people of the state.

The governor expressed joy with the “level of organisation, exceptional and extraordinary but more formidable image of the Air Force, which Nigeria as a country is proud of.”

Air Marshall Umar expressed appreciation to Aregbesola for being the first governor to pay him such a visit, assuring him that the Force would collaborate with his aspiration to improve the living standard of his people.

The Airforce chief then announced that by the second quarter of this year, the Aeronautic Engineering Service at Ipetu-IJesa would be ready for commissioning.

In a colourful ceremony, the Force had mounted a guard of honour in a reception the governor described as warm.