Olowu of Kuta, His Royal Highness , Oba Hammed Adekunle Makama, has warned unscrupulous politicians to stop politicising the Nigerian Army while playing their “dirty politics.”
The traditional ruler gave this warning in a statement issued on Tuesday emphasising that the report from some states in the South South indicated that the military were used to perpetuate violence on the innocent citizens. He said the report was a ruse.
He warned desperate politicians to stop dragging the nation’s military into politics because of its dire consequence on the stability and cohesion of Nigeria.
The revered monarch who maintained that the army represents symbols of unity, said the onus is on them to remain apolitical.
He decried a situation whereby some politicians, armed their thugs in military uniform to cause mayhem, saying this was not acceptable.
According to the king, “in the process of using the army to subvert the will of the people, especially in Rivers state, some of them were attacked and hospitalized.
“ We owe our military high regards because of their oath to protect our territorial integrity and if the need arises, lay down their precious lives for the country.
“ We believe our military is apolitical and that explains why the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen. Tukur Yusuf Buratai promised to set a high power investigative panel to unravel the level of culpability of any disgruntled army officer if any, before , during and after the election.
“ The international observers commended the army during the presidential and national assembly elections two weeks ago for maintaining the peace and displaying professionalism.
“ I also want to sympathize with the traditional rulers in the south south and south east and urge them to continue to be the symbol of peace and unity that the office of traditional institution has conferred on them.” The statement said.
Olowu also called for an endowment fund to take care of the families of those who paid the supreme sacrifice while defending Nigeria.
He asked the Federal Government to provide better funding that is enough to procure modern equipment and to motivate the officers and men to give their best.
Olowu added that “insurgency has become international phenomenon and we must deal with it squarely, otherwise the lives and property of our people will be at risk.
“ All hands must be on deck to support our military as this will boost their morale for more efficiency and optimum performance.”
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