Air Marshal Hassan Bala Abubakar, the Chief of Air Staff, in a strategic move to fortify collaboration, has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to settle unpaid bills for services rendered, stating that clearing these debts will significantly enhance the Air Force’s ability to provide superior support.
Air Marshal Abubakar conveyed this message during a working visit by a delegation from INEC, led by Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, to the Air Force Headquarters in Abuja on Monday.
“I would like to seize this opportunity to remind the chairman that there are some outstanding bills which are yet to be cleared by INEC. The settlement of those bills will enable us to serve you better,” declared the Air Force Chief.
Highlighting the critical role of security and logistics in the success of elections, Abubakar noted that the Nigerian Air Force has been a reliable partner for INEC, ensuring robust security and efficient distribution of electoral materials across the nation.
“We remain willing, able and ready to continue supporting INEC as we have always done in the past. Our C-130s are undergoing maintenance at the moment, but we have other aircraft that can be employed to move sensitive materials,” assured Abubakar, with a caveat for early planning due to aircraft capacity.
Prof. Mahmood, the INEC Chairman, acknowledged the enormity of the upcoming February 3 by-elections, involving numerous senatorial districts, federal and state constituencies, and a vast number of registered voters.
Stressing the need for collaborative efforts, he stated, “In handling such a huge national assignment, the commission cannot do it alone. That is why we seek to mobilise every national asset, including NAF.”
