to focus on their traditional role of securing the country, instead of
illegally delving into politics, which has destroyed their image .
Governor Wike also said that the neglect of critical areas of
constitutional responsibility by the Nigerian Army has negatively
affected its ability to perform.
Governor Wike spoke during a Courtesy Visit by Joint Senate and House of
Representatives Committee on Army at the Government House Port Harcourt
on Friday.
He said: “The Army should be sent to where there are serious security
infractions.
“But the reality today is that everyone now has soldiers attached to
them while the general security of the country suffers. The role of the
Army is to defend the territorial integrity of the country and maintain
general security. The Army must return to their primary
responsibility”.
He said that the Nigerian Army must Channel her resources to where they
are needed for the good of the country.
Governor Wike stated that in Rivers State, the Nigerian Army has been
helpful in tackling insecurity and kidnapping.
He said: “The Army has supported us in terms of fighting insecurity and
kidnapping. They have worked with other security agencies to improve
the security of the State.
“But they played very negative roles during the elections. The Army was
involved in ballot snatching and attempts to subvert the will of Rivers
people. The authorities should work hard to change the perception of the
Army on the streets “.
Governor Wike said despite the negative roles of the Army, the Rivers
State Government under his leadership has invested heavily in the Army.
“There is no Governor in this country that can challenge the level of
support that we have availed the Nigerian Army. We funded the
operationalization of the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army. I have never
turned my back on the Army or any security agency in terms of logistics
and funding”, he said.
The Governor said that the N100billion allocated to the Army in the 2020
budget is inadequate. He also wondered what has happened to the $1
billion withdrawn from the Excess Crude Account for the equipping of the
Nigerian Army.
Earlier, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Army, Senator Ali Ndume
commended Governor Wike for supporting the Nigerian Army to deliver on
its mandate.
He said: “Port Harcourt is now secure due to the investments of
Governor Wike in the security of the State. In collaboration with the
security agencies, Governor Wike has been able to restore security to
the State.
“The level of security in Rivers State wouldn’t have been achieved
without the support of Governor Wike. If all governors were doing same
things in addressing security challenges like Governor Wike, the
country would have been better off “.
He stated that the N100bllion allocated to the Nigerian Army in 2020
budget would not achieve results, noting that efforts must be geared
towards attracting more support for the Army.
He praised the Rivers State Governor for the massive infrastructural
development witnessed across the state, noting that the changes are
noticeable.
Ndume described Governor Wike as a development minded politician who is
needed for the growth of Nigeria.