He said this when he received in courtesy, in his office today, the management of the Nigeria Defence College (NDC), led by its Commandant, Rear Admiral Muyiwa Olotu.
The former governor of Akwa Ibom State stated in statement by his Special Assistant (Media), Jackson Udom, that “the 10th Senate under my leadership will, at all times, support our soldiers to achieve national peace and security.
“We will take up your request for the completion of your Administrative Block at the Permanent Site with the Chief of Defence Staff and be rest assured that something positive would be done about your request.”
Senator Akpabio, who is the former Minority Leader of the eighth Senate, said “we are very proud of the contributions of your men in keeping this country safe, even at the risk of paying the supreme price.
“Through your commitment, insecurity has been reduced to a controlled level.
“The President Bola Tinubu-led administration’s commitment to the welfare and care of our soldiers and their families is very paramount.
“I thank the President and Commander- in-Chief of the Nigeria Armed Forces, Senator Bola Tinubu, and the armed forces for having the trust in you to occupy this sensitive office of the Commandant of the NDC.
“On behalf of the 10th Senate, let me assure you that you shall never work alone in your determination to make this country safe for all of us.
“I thank you for your service to Nigerians. Thank you for extending your training services to staff of the National Assembly, particularly our Sergeant-at-Arms.
In his brief remarks, Senate Committee Chairman on Inter Parliamentary Matters, Jimoh Ibrahim, charged the leadership of the National Defence College to be more concerned about local security.
He noted that national security should not be the focus rather, individual security should take preeminence in the fight against insurgency.
Earlier in his speech, the Commandant recollected that he attended the Federal Government College, Port Harcourt, just as the President of the Senate.
He thanked Akpabio for instilling in him then virtue of discipline, as the General Senior Prefect, noting that the virtue has seen him risen to the position of a Rear Admiral in the Nigerian Military.
“I am here with the management team of the Nigeria Defence College to formally congratulate a friend, brother and Grand Patron of the NDC.
“A bridge builder, my leader at the Federal Government College, Port Harcourt, helped to nurture me to become the man and the Admiral I am today.
“The NDC is not a new institution to the President of the Senate. He has been our Guest Speaker and a revered recipient of our award.
“The NDC, as currently constituted, is prepared to carry out research into every aspect of our national endeavor and we do not lack the needed man power to carry it out.
“We are delving into the area of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and alternative source of power to reduce cost of running the College.
“Our major constraint, however, is our movement to our permanent site due to paucity of funds and that is also why we are here to solicit assistance from the National Assembly to enable us complete the Administrative Block,” he said.
