Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State has urged the Chief of Army Staff, Major General Ibrahim Attahiru, to withdraw soldiers from state governors and politicians.
He said this on Tuesday when Attahiru, in the company of some senior military officers, as well as the new General Officer Commanding the 6 Division in Port Harcourt, Major General Sani Mohammed, paid a courtesy visit to the Port Harcourt Government House.
The Governor also urged the COAS to approach the countless security challenges in the country differently, from banditry to terrorism, kidnapping, militancy, and other criminal acts.
Wike said: “The country is facing a lot of insecurity now. So withdraw these soldiers from politicians so that the soldiers can go and do their work. In those days when you see a soldier, you run. These days, It is difficult because soldiers have been exposed to politics. I want you to make a difference to say that your interest is to protect Nigerians, fight bandits, insurgency and not to carry ballot boxes.”
The Governor mentioned that he was uncertain of the leadership of the past service chiefs led by General Gabriel Olonisakin. He further stated that the move forced his decision to confront the Nigerian Governors’ Forum’s endorsement for the fresh withdrawal of funds by the Federal Government to fight insecurity.
The governor called for more cooperation in fighting the countless security challenges plaguing the country.
