Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike has asked the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Ibrahim Attahiru to withdraw soldiers from state governors and other politicians.
He stated this on Tuesday when the army chief led senior military officers including the new General Officer Commanding the Six Division in Port Harcourt, Major General Sani Mohammed on a courtesy visit to the Government House in Port Harcourt.
Wike charged the COAS to make a difference by fighting the myriads of security challenges in the country ranging from banditry to terrorism, kidnappings, and militancy among several others.
“The country is facing a lot of insecurity now. So withdraw these soldiers from politicians so that the soldiers can go and do their work,” he stated.
“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 that what your interest is to protect Nigerians, fight bandits, insurgency and not to carry ballot boxes.”
Speaking further, the governor also said he lacked confidence in the leadership of the former service chiefs led by General Gabriel Olonisakin.
According to him, the move necessitated his decision to oppose the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) endorsement for the fresh withdrawal of funds by the Federal Government for the fresh withdrawal of funds to fight insecurity.
He however called for more collaboration in the fight against insecurity.
Meanwhile, Wike has warned that secessionist agitators like ex-militant leader, Asari Dokubo and the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB that they will not be allowed to operate in Rivers State.
Wike said this he received the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Ibrahim Attahiru, on courtesy visit at Government House, Port Harcourt on Tuesday.
He added that Rivers State will not be part any move to secede from the country.
Rivers State based agitator, Dokubo had recently formed what he described as ‘Biafra de facto Customary Government
‘ in which he declared himself as the President.
He also included most parts of South south and South East of the territory of his new ‘country.’
But Wike said that he will never allow any secessionist group like the one led by Dokubo to use Rivers as the base for their separatist activities.
He asked the agitators to go elsewhere for their agitations.
“All those who are talking about their independence, they can go anywhere, but not from here. We are not part of any secession.
“We will support the Army and other security agencies to make sure they reduce the level of crime and criminality in this State.”
