Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State says he was impressed with the dialogue approach to security situation in the state by the outgone General Officer Commanding the 3rd Amoured Division, Rukuba, Jos and Commander, Special Task Force (Operation Save Haven), Major General Ibrahim Ali, which was a blend of the military and diplomacy.
Lalong who stated this when the outgone GOC paid him a farewell visit at Government House, Rayfield, Jos, recently maintained that his emphasis on dialogue on the security situation in the state was the way to go as it has paid off.
Represented by his Deputy, Professor Sonni Tyoden, Governor Lalong while appreciating the outgone GOC for the services rendered to the state, noted that anyone who knew the security situation in the state will appreciate that he did well.
The governor said there has been a lot of misconception by people outside the state about the security situation but said it was not as bad as what they thought about the state and expressed the confidence that the new GOC will not find it difficult to fit into the big shoe his predecessor was leaving behind.
Governor Lalong also applauded General Ali for initiating the movement of Internally Displced Persons, IDPs back to their places of abode.
Earlier, the GOC, 3rd Armoured Division and Commander Special Task Force, Major General Ibrahim Ali had said he was at Government House to bid farewell to the government and people of the state and to also introduce his successor, Major General Ibrahim Abdulsalam Bagudu who was before his posting, the Director of Training at the Army Headquarters, Abuja.
He appealed to the government and people of the state to accord the new GOC the same support he enjoyed while in the state to enable him carry out his assignment.
General Ali said he enjoyed a good working relationship with the government of Plateau State and other security agencies which brought about relative peace in the state and thanked the people for the support given him.
General Ali has been posted to Maiduguri as the new Theatre Commander, “Operation Hadin Kai,” the Military Command battling insurgence in the Northeast.
