By Victor Akaa, Abuja
The need to stabilise the north east and fight the insurgency in the zone, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai has called on the North East Development Commission’s Chairman to critically address the challenges that are hitherto distracting the operational performance of the troops of the Nigerian Army.
“ Nigerian army to achieve it’s mandate, it requires the support of the commission to establish and rehabilitate the areas affected in the insurgency of the NE especially in Bama and other community.
“There are several infrastructure that have been damaged beyond repair in the NE as a result of Boko Haram insurgency.
“On the other hand, several of our military barracks are also dilapidated, and urgently require speedy renovations works to be done.
“As such the commission should strive and look into the problem of collapsed infrastructure in the NE especially roads”. Buratai said.
The army boss said, the visit is the beginning of good relationship between the NA and commission, saying the both have a common goal and common interest hence the need for an elaborate collaboration of both parties to achieving the set objectives.
He also expressed the the NA’s resolve in assisting the commission with all necessary required support for them to achieve their mandate in the north east
Army boss further congratulated the Commission’s Board chairman and other members for the appointment by president Muhammadu Buhari and the subsequent confirmation by the National Assembly, further extols the leadership qualities of Gen. Tarfa ,describes him as a role model to many.
“You’ve been our role model, I appreciate you in the role you played while in NA, the leadership qualities you instilled”.
He therefore called on the commission’s chairman to critically look into with the the challenges of dilapidated infrastructures most especially the major roads in the area.
In his response, the North East Development Commission (NEDC)’s chairman, Gen. Paul Tarfa (rtd) said, since the come on board of Buratai, the security situation in the NE and the entire nation has stabilised.
“Nigeria was sinking but thank God you came on board, Nigeria is proud of you and I am proud of you”. Gen. Tarfa expressed.
He therefore promised to look into all the request made by the NA for further considerations to improve their performance in the fight against insurgents in the NE.
