A foremost traditional ruler, the Olowu of Owu-Kuta, His Royal Majesty Oba Adekunle Oyelude Makama Tegbesun III has counselled the Governor of Borno State, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum to avoid making political statements that could discourage Nigerian Army troops that are waging war against insurgency
in the North East.
Oba Makama also urged Governor Zulum to be magnanimous enough as a patriotic to work closely with all the stakeholders in the war against insurgency in the North East. He however praised Governor Zulum for his courage; but emphasized that making political statements in the theater of war would not help troops of Nigerian Army.
The traditional ruler gave this counsel in his goodwill message to the Chief of Army Staff and participants in the ongoing “COAS Combined Quarterly Conference”. The traditional ruler who has been in the forefront of campaign and advocacy support for the army, wished the Nigerian Army a successful combined conference.
Oba Makama expressed absolute confidence in the leadership of the able and dynamic Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Burutai. He also expressed overly optimism that the end of insurgency was near in the country.
Meanwhile, the traditional ruler has assured the officers and men of Nigerian Army of absolute support of all Nigerians in their war against insurgency and banditry in the North East and North West.
“All what we wish our officers and men and all those in the onslaught on terrorism and banditry is to be assured that Nigerians are with them. They should not be discouraged or demoralized by political statements made by some people that are meant to be stakeholders but playing to the gallery”.
Oba Makama also congratulated the army for being actively neutral in the ongoing off-season elections conducted in Edo State. He gave kudos to the army for the displayed professionalism and expressed confidence that same feat would be repeated in Ondo State election.
“Nigerian Army is strengthening democracy in line with the dictate and norms of democratic governance as mandated by President Muhammadu Buhari’.
Moreso, Oba Makama also posited that there was nothing wrong in calling on the Chadian Army for assistance in the ongoing onslaught on insurgents. He added therefore that the move should not be seen as unappreciative effort.
“Some of us view this as calling on the Chadian Army to live up to its responsibility. They are joint signatory to the Multi National Joint Task Force in that region. Nigeria has been playing its part and they should play their part too. This is not to say that Nigerian Army personnel are not capable. We actually have absolute confidence in the leadership of Nigerian Army and the end of insurgency is at hand with the equipment and armament in the arsenal of Nigerian Army”.
He however observed that the activities of insurgents are no longer noticeable in other parts of the North East region, except in Borno State alone. Oba Makama therefore called on the Shehu of Borno and other traditional rulers in the state to support the army. The traditional ruler also urged that Nigerian Army should be left out of politics as he congratulated the personnel of the army for keeping the nation united.
“Our army should be left out of politics. We do not have Borno State Army or the North East Army. We only have the Nigerian Army and should be treated as such. I want to congratulate the Chief of Army Staff, Commanders and all the men for giving us all what it takes to have a united Nigeria. History will not forget you and God bless Nigerian Army”, said Oba Makama.