The security challenges confronting the country require collective efforts of the political class irrespective of party affiliations, Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State has said.
Dickson, while receiving the Commander of the Joint Military Task Force (JTF) Major General Emmanuel Atewe and Chief of Training and Operations, Defence Headquarters, Abuja, Major General Ebibowei Awala, in Yenagoa, particularly stressed the need for collective efforts in tackling insurgency and illegal oil bunkering in the Niger Delta.
He therefore canvassed support for the military, which he noted is already being overstretched in tackling terrorism.
Dickson also enjoined his Governors colleagues not to see the responsibility of supporting the military as the exclusive preserve of the Federal Government as the institution does not belong to any incumbent political leader.
His words, “Let me say this to all Nigerians that our military deserves support, not vilification; our military deserves understanding and not attack.
“ The military of this country is one of our treasured national institutions, and we must all work hard to give them support especially at times like this, when they are called upon in very difficult times and circumstances at the risk of life to offer services to keep us safe.”
“I want to offer my personal appreciation, and with respect to the ongoing military, security and intelligence operations in some parts of this country, let me (again) associate myself with the call that all political, opinion, religious, business and all leaders of whatever description should unite in defence of our military and right to life of our people wherever they may be”.
“In all countries and at all times, when nations face dangers and come under attack by a common enemy, political leaders sink their differences and come together to address that common problem. Let this not be different about Nigeria.”
The Governor commended the JTF and other security agencies for working in partnership with his government to tackle crime and criminality.
Responding, the two top military Commanders lauded the governor’s support for the military and other security agencies in the state.
The JTF Commander said, “I want to once again thank you for providing an enabling environment in terms of resources and logistics to support the JTF to do what they are doing. If they have ever achieved anything, I think it’s because of the enabling environment provided by you that enable JTF to stand.”
