Nigerian Army: Monarch warns politicians

Olowu of Kuta, His Royal Highness, Oba Hammed Adekunle Makama, has warned politicians trying to politicise the Nigerian Army.

Olowu, in a statement issued on Wednesday, said report from some states in the South-South indicated that military were used to perpetrate violence on the innocent citizens.

He warned that attempt to drag the military into politics might have a dire consequence on national stability and cohesion.

Olowu decried a situation where some politicians armed their thugs in military fatigues to cause mayhem, saying this is not acceptable.

“In the process of using the army to subvert the will of the people, especially in Rivers state, some of them were attacked and hospitalized.

“We hold our military in high regards because of their oath to protect our territorial integrity and if the need arises, lay down their precious lives for the country.

“We believe our military is apolitical and that explains why the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen. Tukur Yusuf Buratai promised to set a high power investigative panel to unravel the level of culpability of any disgruntled army officer if any, before, during and after the election.

“The international observers commended the army during the presidential and national assembly elections two weeks ago for maintaining the peace and displaying professionalism.

“I also want to sympathize with the traditional rulers in the south south and south east and urge them to continue to be the symbol of peace and unity that the office of traditional institution has conferred on them”, the statement said.

Olowu further canvassed for and an endowment fund to take care of the families of those who pay the supreme sacrifice while defending Nigeria.

He, however, reiterated his call for better funding that is commensurate to meet the procurement of modern equipment and to motivate the officers and men to give their best.

“Insurgency has become an international phenomenon and we must deal with it squarely, otherwise the lives and property of our people will be at risk.

“All hands must be on deck to support our military as this will boost their morale for more efficiency and optimum performance”, the monarch noted.