(From left): Ebonyi State Governor, David Umahi with the Chief of Army staff, Lt. Gen. Farouk Yahaya, at the new Presidential Lodge, new Government House, Ochudo Centenary City, Abakaliki
Nigerian Army committed to fighting insecurity in South East – COAS Yahaya
[From CHINEDU NWAFOR, Abakaliki]
Nigerian Army said it was committed to assisting South East Governors and leaders by way of manpower and intelligence to completely win the war against insecurity in the Zone.
Chief of Army staff, Lt. Gen. Farouk Yahaya, stated this when he paid a courtesy call on Chairman South East Governors Forum and Governor of Ebonyi State, Chief David Umahi, on Monday, at the new Presidential Lodge, new Government House, Ochudo Centenary City, Abakaliki.
The Army Staff who was accompanied on the visit by the GOC, 82 Division Enugu, and other senior officers, said he came to intimate Governor Umahi on the launch of the new operation Golden Dawn, Enduring Peace and Still Water, nationwide.
He thanked Governor Umahi and other South East Governors for their efforts in handling the security situation in the Zone especially in curbing the periodic sit-at-home order by IPOB.
He also commended the Governor for putting in place, security strategies that had brought about peace and curtailed youths’ restiveness in Ebonyi State and Southeast by extension.
The Army boss observed that contrary to insinuation that there was a Sit-at-home order in the Southeast, Governor David Umahi’s security approach had to a greater extent, curtailed restiveness and insecurity in the region, thereby restoring peace.
“When we came here, we see that the markets are open and things like that, contrary to some insinuations by some people saying that people should stay at home but with your efforts, coming out to encourage people to come out, you can see that they are out and I want to appreciate that and I encourage the troop also to do their very best in synergizing with other security Agencies.”
The Governor commended Yaya over what he described as his efforts in tackling insecurity in parts of the country which has kept the nation united as one indivisible entity.
“I consider it an honor to have you in this place. Let me also commend you very highly because you came at a quite challenging period in the history of our Nation.
“I continue to say that security problem in Nigeria is the duty of everybody and until we get to that understanding, we cannot completely solve our security problems. Mr. President is not a spirit, and the army is not a spirit.
“The army works with local intelligence to provide security and people must volunteer this information to the army.
“I want to commend very highly the GOC. The GOC is a fearless officer and he has helped the South East. If not his type of person, the story you would have been hearing about South East, it would have been terrible. We are very much pleased with his courage and commitment with his officers.”
