Cross River governor, Senator Bassey Otu has commended Nigeria's Armed Forces for their invaluable contributions to national security, stability and protection of the nation's territorial integrity.
The governor who gave the commendation, Monday, while addressing members of Study Group 4, Senior Course 46 of the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji, Kaduna State, Nigeria, who were in his office on a courtesy visit, said Nigerians should be proud of its Armed Forces, whose gallant men put their lives on the line to maintain Nigeria's sovereignty as one indivisible entity.
Governor Otu expressed delight at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College's choice of Cross River as one of the states for the study tour, and emphasised the need for better synergy in order to strengthen the security framework in the State.
"In some parts of our state, it is like warfront. And in spite of our vast landmass and peculiar boundaries, we have just about four military formations in Cross River. We share some of the longest boundaries in land, air and maritime. So you can imagine. We still need some military and technical support in Cross River State.
"This demand has become imperative given that the state is bounded by other African countries, as well as having one of the longest coastlines in the country, noting that increased military presence in Cross River would curb security skirmishes bedeviling the State's borders, Otu stated.
Earlier in his remarks, the Director, Department of Joint Studies and Team Leader of Study Group 4, Senior Course 46 of the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Brigadier General Nicolas Rume, informed that the Armed Forces Command and Staff College is a Joint Service institution established to produce operational-level military officers of the highest professional standard as well as to ensure standardisation of Staff Duties in the Nigerian Armed Forces.
The College established on 29 May 1976, with assistance from the British Army Advisory Team (BAAT), concerns itself with the development of professional knowledge and understanding of selected officers of Armed Forces in order to prepare them for the increasing responsibilities both in staff and command appointments.
Speaking of their study tour of Cross River, Rume said, "We are here to assess the efficiency of the Armed Forces in tackling security. At the end of the day, we would report our findings and make possible recommendations on ways to improve our security."
© Government House Press
27/11/2023
