The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has condoled with the Bayelsa State Government and people over the death of the Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, describing the loss as painful and significant to the state and the nation.
Lieutenant General Shaibu expressed his condolences on Thursday during a courtesy visit to the Executive Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, at the Government House in Yenagoa. The visit formed part of his maiden operational tour of the 6 Division Area of Responsibility, which covers Bayelsa State.
The Army Chief urged continued prayers and support for the family of the late deputy governor, noting that his demise had left a notable void in the state’s governance and leadership.
A statement by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, disclosed that during the visit, the COAS commended the Bayelsa State Government for its sustained support to Nigerian Army formations in the state, particularly the 16 Brigade. He noted that the cooperation between the state government and the military has remained vital to operational effectiveness, troop welfare, and the maintenance of security.
Lieutenant General Shaibu specifically praised Governor Diri for the construction and donation of accommodation facilities for troops of the 16 Brigade, including nine units of three-bedroom Senior Non-Commissioned Officers’ quarters and two blocks of nine units of two-bedroom Non-Commissioned Officers’ apartments. He described the gesture as timely and impactful.
According to the COAS, the newly completed facilities would significantly ease accommodation challenges faced by personnel, boost morale, and enhance operational efficiency within the Brigade.
The Army Chief, who observed notable infrastructural improvements across Bayelsa State since his last visit about five years ago, assured the governor of the Nigerian Army’s continued collaboration with the state government to ensure peace, security, and stability.
In his response, Governor Diri thanked the COAS for the visit and reaffirmed the unwavering support of the Bayelsa State Government for the Nigerian Army and other security agencies operating in the state.
The governor commended the Armed Forces for their sacrifices in defending Nigeria’s territorial integrity, noting that sustained collaboration among the military, security agencies, and the state government has contributed significantly to the prevailing peace in Bayelsa State.
Governor Diri formally handed over the newly completed accommodation facilities to the Nigerian Army and pledged the continued commitment of the state government to improving the welfare of troops deployed in the state.
The visit further underscored the strong civil-military relations between the Nigerian Army and the Bayelsa State Government, aimed at sustaining peace and enhancing operational effectiveness within the 6 Division Area of Responsibility.
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