Zamfara State Goveronor, Hon. Bello Mohammed Matawalle has commended the Nigerian Army, under the leadership of Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Tukur Yusuf Buratai, for the Nigeria Army readiness to combat the various security threats confronting the nation at this point in time.
Matawalle made the commendation when he visited Special Super Army Camp 4 in Faskari, the headquarters of Faskari Local government council of Katsina state Tuesday.
According to him, the commendation was necessary considering the fact that, some unscrupulous politicians would hardly commend the military for their successes at the battlefronts. However, they would be eager to rush to the media to report attacks by bandits or other miscreants. For these crop of politicians, politics is not about genuine commitment to the wellbeing of the people; it is all about power and nothing more.
Governor Matawalle suggested that, there is the need for regular training and exercises that project military power which according to him would no doubt boost the morale of the military personnel and uplift the confidence of the public on the ability of the military to defeat the elements fomenting trouble in various parts of the country, Northwest inclusive.
“I am particularly pleased to note that the primary objective of Exercise Sahel Sanity is to enhance the combat readiness of our gallant army to rout out banditry and various crimes in the North-Western part of the country. Considering the monumental nature of the challenge in the North West, and it is our hope that at the end of this exercise the army personnel would be in a better position to defeat the miscreants causing loss of lives and untold hardships to our people”. Matawalle stated.
According to him, Zamfara state and other states of the North West have been battling with the problems of cattle rustling, kidnapping, arson and related crimes for many years. Even though my administration has succeeded in brokering peace agreement with several groups of the marauders, we are still facing pockets of challenges from those who have not accepted our peace overtures and those infiltrating our communities from other states.
He explained that, Considering the dynamics of the conflict, his administration firmly believes in utilizing the instrument of peace and arbitration, which has so far yielded significant results. But for the defiant groups, we have no option than to confront them with the security forces in order to protect people’s lives, wellbeing and property.
“We are continually providing various forms of support to the security forces operating in Zamfara State for them to deliver on their statutory mandate effectively. Last two months, we commissioned and presented 200 brand new pick-ups as mobility support to the security outfits, including the Nigerian Army. We will continue to extend our support and collaborate will all security agencies”.
He further noted that, his administration would always continue support the Nigerian Army to achieve the desired operational efficiency in the performance of its roles as enshrined in the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“Let me at this point stress that the issue of security is everyone’s concern. Safeguarding and ensuring security is not just the responsibility of Mr President, the Governors, the service chiefs and security apparatuses but that of every patriotic citizen. In fact, we, the politicians, are to be blamed for the intractable security challenges bedevilling our communities. It is evident that some politicians exploit insecurity for political gains”.
Matawalle then urged the security agencies to deal decisively with anyone found politicizing security no matter how highly placed he is. It is by so doing that we can significantly address the current security challenge confronting not just the North-West, but the entire federation.
“I would like to pay tribute to our fallen heroes who have made the supreme sacrifice in the course of fighting banditry in the North-West and other crimes in various parts of the country. I pray to Almighty Allah to grant their souls eternal rest”. Said Matawalle.
Gamji Reporters
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