The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has commiserated with the Bayelsa State Government and people over the death of the state’s Deputy Governor, the late Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, describing the loss as painful and significant to the state and the nation.
Lt. Gen. Shaibu made the remarks 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 the Army Chief’s maiden operational tour of the 6 Division Area of Responsibility, which includes Bayelsa State.
He urged continued prayers and support for the bereaved family, while commending the Bayelsa State Government for its sustained support to Nigerian Army formations in the state, particularly the 16 Brigade. According to him, the cooperation has remained critical to operational effectiveness, troop welfare and the maintenance of security.
The COAS 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’ (SNCOs) quarters and two blocks of nine units of two-bedroom Non-Commissioned Officers’ (NCOs) apartments. He described the intervention as timely and impactful.
Lt. Gen. Shaibu noted that the new accommodation would ease housing challenges faced by personnel, boost morale and enhance operational efficiency within the brigade. He also observed significant infrastructural improvements across Bayelsa State since his last visit about five years ago.
The Army Chief assured the state government of the Nigerian Army’s continued collaboration in ensuring peace, security and stability in the state.
In his response, Governor Diri thanked the COAS for the visit and reaffirmed the Bayelsa State Government’s unwavering support for the Nigerian Army and other security agencies operating in the state. He commended the Armed Forces for their sacrifices in safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial integrity, noting that sustained collaboration among the military, other security agencies and the state government has contributed to the prevailing peace in Bayelsa.
Governor Diri formally handed over the newly completed accommodation facilities to the Nigerian Army and pledged the state’s continued commitment to improving the welfare of troops deployed in Bayelsa 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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