We will restore stability in North East – Air Chief

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