Makinde Urges Nigerian Army To Protect Nation’s Democracy

Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde has charged Nigeria Army to guard the nation’s democracy and stay true to their military calling by being professional and maintaining the nation’s territorial integrity.

The governor declared that the officers and the men of the 2 Division of the Nigerian Army, Ibadan, have been contributing hugely to ensuring the security of lives and properties of residents of the state.

The governor stated these when he received the new General Officer Commanding of the 2 Division Nigerian Army, Major-General Valentine Okoro, in his office located in the state’s Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan.

According to him, the officers and men of the Army, especially those of the 2 Division Ibadan, have been contributing to keeping Oyo State safe and secured, saying their professionalism and dedication to duty have never been in doubt.

“I want to welcome the GOC to our state. Again, I will always appreciate the Nigerian Army but, especially, our officers and men of the 2 Division for your contribution to keeping us safe and secure in Oyo State,” the governor said.

Makinde, who stated that with the concerted efforts of all security agencies and the cooperation of the officers and men of the Division, his administration has been able to stay on top of many security challenges including kidnapping, banditry and other crimes, said his administration will continue to maintain a cordial relationship with the army.

He said: “I am glad that you have been able to establish the fact that there is a cordial relationship between the officers and men of the division, especially those staying in the state and the populace. I want to take this opportunity to thank you and ask that we maintain that relationship.

“Since I became governor, the professionalism and dedication to duty of the Division has not been in doubt. We have had challenges, carried out joint clearance operations with my team and other security agencies in Oyo State, especially in the Old Oyo National Park area and we have been largely successful.’’

Earlier, Major-General Okoro affirmed that the stable security experienced in the state is as a result of the cordial relationship between the government and the Nigerian Army.

He assured that the army would not relent in its core mandate and commitment to improving on the security environment in the state by taking firm positions so as to address violence and criminality.