The Governor
Delta State, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa has sued for the cooperation of
Nigerians with Nigerian Army to quell insurgency in the country.
Speaking when the Chief of Army Staff, General Tukur Yusuf
Burutai paid him a courtesy visit in Asaba at the weekend, Governor Okowa said
the action of the military in checking the activities of the insurgents at the
North-East was remarkable, stating that there was the need for all Nigerians to
live in peace and unity.
According to the Governor, “there is the need for the civilian
population and other security agencies to work with the Nigerian Army to
succeed in their activities to secure the country, I want to reassure you of
the support of the government and people of Delta State to work closely with
you to secure our nation.”
He described the sensitization of the people in the creeks of
Delta State of the planned military exercise, codenamed, ‘Operation Crocodile
Smile’ as an action which will reduce panic as a result of the heavy presence
of the military and their activities in the area.
“We are glad that your men will be cautious in the course of
their military exercise to avoid civilian casualties,” the governor said,
adding, “as a state, we will continue to cooperate with security operatives to
secure the lives and property of the people, especially, national assets.”
He disclosed that security threats in the Niger Delta region has
affected negatively, financial situation of the state, asserting, “the
financial impact is more on our state than any other state in the country and
our environment is being impacted on negatively.”
“I believe that by the grace of God in the next few weeks,
everything will be normal, it is our hope that we will get back to those days
we can predict the quantum of oil we will produce,” the governor stated.
Earlier, General Burutai who was accompanied by top military
officers had told the governor that he was in the state to flag off a military
exercise, codenamed “operation Crocodile Smile” which is amphibious in nature.
“I am happy to flag off one of the major exercises of the
Nigerian Army in fulfilment of our training directives to keep our men properly
trained,” he said, adding, “the training exercise, as well as humanitarian
exercise is to put us in proper shape, there is no cause for alarm, we are not
going to hurt anybody, the troop will exercise with caution and I will call on
the people to go about their normal duties.”
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