Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State, says he is ready to support the Nigerian Army and other security agencies in the state to ensure adequate security of lives and properties.
The Governor made this known when the new Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Ibrahim Attahiru paid him a courtesy visit at Government House, Port Harcourt, on Tuesday.
Wike charged the COAS to reduce the military’s involvement in politics. He said politicians will be be more accountable to the people, when they know that elections cannot be rigged using the military and other security agencies.
The Governor urged the COAS to make a difference, so as to bring back the respect Nigerians use to have for the Armed forces.
“We know that with the kind of experience you have, and with your level of education, the difference will be clear. Let me use this opportunity to say there is a need for you to make a difference, to bring back the respect Nigerians use to have for the Armed forces,” he said.
“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 your interest is to protect Nigerians; to fight bandits, to fight insurgency and not to carry ballot boxes,” he added.