The House of Representatives Committee on Air Force on Tuesday commended the Chief of Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal, Sadiq Abubakar, for his efforts in combating crime in the country.
The lawmakers gave the commendation during an oversight function at the Air Force Headquarters on Tuesday in Abuja.
The Chairman of the Committee, Rep. Shehu Koko (APC-Kebbi), lauded the Air Force for doing so much in the areas of capacity building, weapon development and research.
He said that the committee will do everything possible to support the Air Force to enable it succeed in fighting crime.
“We are here on an assessment visit just to ascertain the level of work done by the force and to commend the Nigeria Air Force for judiciously utilizing the funds available to them.
”We have visited Borno, Makurdi and Kaduna and we have seen what you have done, therefore, the committee promises to give you all the muscle that you need to make you succeed,” he said.
The spokesman for the House of Representatives, Rep. Benjamin Kalu (APC-Abia), said Nigerians might not see what the Force is doing but a lot had been done.
“Some of your men that I had cause to interview personally, told me in confidence that there is job satisfaction.
“Thank you for making sure that you have enough equipment, though, it might not be 100 per cent but you are doing very well.
“You have also anchored the research and development very well, your civil military collaboration is also commendable.
“And lastly, we in the House of Representatives commend you for training female pilots although we lost one of them and may her soul rest in peace,” Kalu said.
Responding, the Chief of Air Staff thanked members of the Committee for commending the efforts of the Air Force.
Abubakar appealed to the committee to consider increasing budgetary allocation for the force to enable it meet with some of its obligations.
“I thank you more sincerely for all your support; all that we have achieved is based on the support you have given us.
“However, I will want to appeal when the commandant in Kaduna appears before your committee, please do not hesitate to assist the school because our school is lacking hostels,” he said.
Abubakar revealed that the force has trained seven female pilots while 14 females were still undergoing training, adding that a total of 118 pilots have been trained in the last five years.
He also disclosed that the air force before now had just three aircraft but currently under him, the force can boast of 15 aircraft. (NAN)
