Army yields us sense of belonging – Gombe Gov
Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Yahaya says army presence provides residents of the state with sense of belonging, adding that it assures of safety.
The governor noted that more would only be achieved through collaborative measures and synergy, peace would reign.
He made this disclosure on Monday, while playing host to the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Farouk Yahaya, who visited the state on operational purpose.
According to Yahaya, the greatest sacrifice has been made by members of the military by joining the force, to ensure sanity, adding that it was rife to support them in that responsibility.
He said, “We thank God that you have come to see for yourself what is happening to us, as your spokesman said you are going round the country I believe your coming here will show you that there is relative peace in Gombe but we still need to reinforce that peace that we have so we need you like you need us. So no we need to collaborate and synergise So that our people will enjoy that peace and tranquility that is prevailing.
“I must admit that the presence of the army gives us sense of security and sense of belonging because the greatest sacrifice that you made to even join the forces means that you are there to protect the people against all odds and at all cost.
“So, we appreciate you and we thank you and we shall continue to do so. Your presence will complement the effort of the people and government in order to ensure peace, harmony, and security within Gombe State. For you to be in this uniform means you have sacrificed your own life for the safety of Nigeria.”
While urging the CAS to support the promise of the president to compensate the state, following the occupation of the orientation camp by Operation Safe Corridor which is used in rehabilitation of repentant Boko Haram members, the governor said until the funds are released the state would not relent.
“In addition we spoke on the issue of operation safe corridor. The Chief of Defence Staff has sent request for additional space for them, so that they can train and retrain those that have been de-radicalised and integrated into the society.
“We shall continue to sacrifice on the need to sort the permanent place for the NYSC because we sacrificed our NYSC orientation camp. Mr president has given approval for us to be reimbursed. Unless it is done we can’t see it has been done, I urge you to support us in that regards,” he added.
On his part, Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Yahaya expressed gratitude to the State Government for supporting his men in 301 artillery regiment, and the entire army.
He urged residents to support officers with requisite information towards curbing crime, saying that crime prevention is the task of all.
“I’m here on operational visit on my appointment as Chief of Army Staff, it is upon me to visit formations and units to interact first hand that is what brought me to 301 general support.
“I want to assure his excellency that we will take necessary action in our efforts to synergise with stakeholders so that together we can improve the situation. Security is everyone’s business, we all have our roles and responsibilities. On our part, we will continue to improve, synergise with other security agencies and stakeholders,” he said.
