Support

By Philip Yatai

The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Chirstopher Musa, has sought the support of the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike for the upcoming  Africa Military Games.

Musa, who made the appeal when he visited Wike in Abuja on Wednesday, said that 40 countries would participate in the second edition of the one-week event.

He said that the event scheduled for November, would take place in FCT, Abuja, adding that Nigeria would be the second country to host the grand event.

Musa said  the games would showcase Nigeria and the FCT in great light to the world, and assure the global community that “Nigeria is safe.

“Most people, when you travel out, the impression they give about Nigeria is that the country is very hostile; it’s a hostile environment.

“That when you come in, there are a lot of killings, but Nigeria is more secured than most of these countries.

“Here, the press enjoys so much freedom, so everything is being reported, and that is why people think that Nigeria is unsafe.

“We all know that Nigeria is safe, and Abuja is one of the safest places that anybody will ever live in, and we thank you for that sir.”

The CDS said that as the chief host, the Armed Forces would leverage on the FCT minister to ensure the success of the games.

He added that the defence would hold a world conference to announce the planned event to the world and wants the minister to lead the conference as the landlord of FCT.

The military chief expressed confidence that with the support of the minister, the event would be of international standard.

He commended Wike for the ongoing transformation in the nation’s capital, and promised continued support to ensure FCT continues to grow without threats.

Responding, Wike commended the CDS for selecting Abuja to host the event and showcase the nation’s capital to the world.

“This is a welcome development considering the impact it will have on economic activities of the city.

“It will also show to the world that FCT is safe.

“Therefore, we have no choice but to give you all the necessary support, because it is our city that will host the event,” the minister said.

The minister assigned his Chief of Staff, Director, Security Services Department and his Senior Special Assistant on Administration, to work with the CDS team to work out the needed support.

He commended the CDS for the improved security across the country, particularly curbing the activities of insurgents.(NAN)

Edited by Joseph Edeh