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By Joel Anekwe
Rivers State governor, Nyesom Wike, has advised top military personnel not to allow themselves to be used by politicians, because security suffers when politicians influence military operations.
Speaking during a courtesy visit by the new general officer commanding 6 Division of the Nigerian Army, General Felix Agugo, at the Government House Port Harcourt, Wike said that some politicians make promises to military officers, only for them to abandon them later.
He said: “Don’t allow politicians to use you. Otherwise, they will use and dump you. They will tell you that they will make you this or that, but at the appropriate time, all their phones would be switched off. Do the right thing and the society will move forward”.
The governor said that if the military restricts themselves to their security duties, the country would be better for it, adding that security agencies have a responsibility to protect lives and property.
He promised that the Rivers State government would continue to support the military to improve its security architecture, adding that he would never approach the military or heads of security agencies in the state to do what is wrong.
“Why nobody has been able to defeat us is that our hands are clean. I will never call you to release an arrested criminal, cultist or kidnapper. If anyone who is working with me seeks such favour, inform me,” Wike charged the GOC.
The governor said; “We must work together to move the state forward,” and thanked the Nigerian Army for restoring security in the Ogoni speaking area of the state.
“We have to initiate awards for performing officers to encourage them to continue to work,” he said, noting that the initial situation where a general officer commanding 6 Division resumed work without visiting the Rivers State Government House where the headquarters is situated, but visited other adjoining states proved that something sinister was planned.
Earlier, the general officer commanding 6 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major General Felix Agugo thanked the governor for his support in the operations of the Nigerian Army in the state.
He said: “I must place on record that I have inherited a division that is grateful to the government of Rivers State for your support for our operations and sustenance. I bring you the appreciation of the Chief of Army Staff for the good things that the Army has received from the Rivers State Government.”
He also commended the governor for setting up the Operation Sting Security Outfit. He said that the outfit complements the efforts of the Nigerian Army in security improvement.
“We promise you that the investment you are making to enhance security will not be in vain. We will ensure that you achieve the security that you desire,” he said.
The general officer commanding 6 Division commended the Rivers State government for the support in the establishment of camps for Exercise Crocodile Smile.
