A'Ibom govt lauds Nigeria Armed Forces
By Christopher Tom
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Chief Godswill Akpabio has said the ability of the Nigerian Armed Forces to adjust to democratic realities within a short period of time is highly commendable.
Speaking through his deputy, Engr. Patrick Ekpotu, Chief Akpabio said this at Government House, Uyo, when he received the Chief of Administration of the Nigerian Army, General Abdumalik Jibrin, during a courtesy call.
He expressed appreciation of the political class and Nigerians in general to the Armed Forces for continually imbibing democratic ideals, which he said, “are helping to consolidate civil rule in Nigeria.”
Observing that Nigeria needed strong institutions like the Nigerian Army, Governor Akpabio believed that the ongoing social engineering efforts of President Musa Yar'Adua would facilitate the emergence of more strong institutions. Strong institutions, rather than individuals, he noted were more relevant to the growth and development of societies.
Commending the decision of the Nigerian Army to make Akwa Ibom its recruitment centre for the Southern part of the country, Chief Akpabio said he had no doubt that the recruitment exercise was going to be a huge success, as the Nigerian Army had always been known for diligence in recruiting its personnel.
The massive development of infrastructure in the State, he said, was aimed at opening up Akwa Ibom to visitors and investors within Nigeria and beyond.
Urging the Army Chief to particularly note the development efforts of is government, with a view to letting people know that Akwa Ibom was judiciously utilising its revenue Chief Akpabio said he is looking forward to the hosting of the Chief of Army Staff conference in the state.
Addressing the Governor, the Army Chief of Administration, Army Headquarters, Abuja, General Abdumalik Jibrin, said he was in the State to see things for himself at the Uyo venue of the 2009 Army recruitment exercise.
He solicited the support of the Akwa Ibom State Government towards the success of the exercise.
