Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has urged the Nigerian Army to play its part in ensuring that peace reign during the forthcoming general elections.
Makinde made the plea on Thursday while hosting Maj-Gen.Takuti Usman, the new General Officer Commanding, 2 Div. Odogbo Barracks, Ibadan, at the Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Agodi in Ibadan.
He commended the Army for important roles it has been playing in ensuring peaceful polls in the country.
Makinde, however, pledged his administration’s continuous support to the Nigerian Army, promising to maintain a cordial relationship with the new GOC.
He assured him that the state government would not relent in its efforts at providing adequate logistic support to the army for its smooth operation in the area of security of lives and property.
The governor said that the GOC was arriving his duty post at a challenging time “when Nigerians are faced with the twins challenge of Naira and fuel scarcity”.
According to him, quite a lot is going on in the political space and I want to also ask the military to ensure that our democracy is secured.
“To protect our democracy, it is something that the military will also have to take seriously,” he said.
The governor also promised to continue to support and make lives better for their families while they serve the state.
Makinde commended other security agencies in the state for the maintenance of peace and order in the state.
Earlier, in his remarks, the GOC sought the governor’s support to make the Division to achieve its role of maintaining peace and harmony in the state.
Usman assured the governor of the readiness of his Division to continue to participate fully in creating an enabling environment for the government, “so that it can continue to deliver the dividends of democracy to the people of the state.
“I am happy that Your Excellency has shown me and my officers support and we will do our best to ensure nobody fights.”
Source – NAN