Wike: Nigeria Must Be Protected Against Violent Secession Agitation

GOVERNOR of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, has said Nigeria must be protected against all forms of secessionist agitations.

This was as he urged the new Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Farouk Yahaya, not to allow his officers to abandon their professional duties and get involved in partisan politics.

The governor stated this when he hosted the COAS on a courtesy visit at Government House, Port Harcourt on Monday evening.

Wike was quoted to have said this in a statement signed by his media aide, Kelvin Ebiri titled, ‘Wike to COAS: Don’t allow Army officers involved in politics’.

Wike noted how the fight against insecurity has suffered a setback because Army officers became partisan and could not stand on the side of professional practice because of their bias.

Wike said, “I don’t understand why we cannot remove politics from our jobs. Let’s do our jobs and keep the country going. I can tell you that I’m willing and ready to work with all the security agencies, not only the army.

“The gunboats we are providing are almost ready. We have paid for everything. We will also provide vehicles. All I need is the security of my people. I’m here to partner with you,” he stated.

In his remarks, Yahaya said he was in Port Harcourt on an operational visit to the 6 Division, having just assumed command of the Nigeria Army.

Yahaya said he was also using his visit to officially open the Combat Support Training Week and was inviting the governor to be the special guest of honour.