Israeli ambassador: We’ll support Nigeria to end insurgency

The Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Uriel Palti, has condemned acts of terrorism in Nigeria, especially the kidnap of over 200 schoolgirls in Chibok, Borno State. Palti called for the immediate release of the abducted girls and assured the Federal Government of Israel’s support at putting an end to the acts of terrorism in the country.

The ambassador said this during a visit to Bayelsa State Governor Seriake Dickson at the Government House, Yenagoa, on Sunday. “The state of Israel condemns the kidnap of over 200 school girls in the northeast of Nigeria. We demand their immediate release. We will support the Federal Government in its efforts to end terrorism in the country,” he said.

Dickson and his wife, Rachel, were presented with two different awards by the visiting Israeli ambassador and his team. The governor was awarded with the title, ‘Jerusalem Ambassador’ while the wife was presented with the ‘Mother in Israel in Bayelsa’ award.
Performing the investiture, Ambassador Palti explained that the awards were given in recognition of the love the Dickson family had for Israel.

Palti lauded Dickson for his developmental strides in the state, expressing the willingness of his home country to collaborate with Bayelsa in the area of security and other sectors of the economy. He said the leadership of his country was looking forward to receiving Dickson on a visit this year.

Dickson described the State of Israel as a dependable force in global affairs, calling on it to rally round nations plagued by terror and evil.

The governor said it had become imperative for Israel to lead by example to demonstrate to the world that it is indeed a Godly nation. The governor said, “Israel as a nation loved by God should also know their God. Israel should lead by example to demonstrate to the world that it is indeed a Godly nation and it must rally other nations of the world to show forth God’s abiding love and faithfulness to a world plagued by terror and evil.

“You have a lot of experience. Your history teaches you how to confront terrorism. Your history teaches your resilience; you are what you are today by the grace of God and the goodwill of humanity. These are virtues and experiences that Israel should deploy to assist other nations, who want to leverage on its vast experience and resilience in tackling issues of terrorism and related vices.”

Punch