By Richard Akintade
A renown traditional ruler, the Olowu of Kuta in Osun State, Oba Adekunle Oyelude Makama has commended the recent exploits of the Nigeria Army and recapturing of Baga town in Kukawa Local Government area of Borno State.
Oba Manama, made this commendation in a Press Statement personally signed and made available to Journalists in Osogbo the Osun State capital.
According to Oba Makama, the impressive result by Nigeria Army deserves not only commendation but also wide publicity to boost the morale of the gallant soldiers.
The traditional ruler said, “Baga town earlier lost to the Boko Haram insurgents while two soldiers on Nigerian side reportedly fell and five injured during the fierce battle with Boko Haram terrorists, the Special Forces fought gallantly and forced the insurgents to a retreat”.
According to the statement, the traditional ruler argued that such publicity would also weaken the strength of the insurgents and destabilise their camp.
“It is not fair that our gallant soldiers are only reported when they record casualties. They are our ambassadors who by choice decide to lay down their lives for our dear country. For this reason, they should be respected with commensurate attention” The Olowu added.
The Olowu noted that, “the news coming from Baga, a major commercial centre in Borno State, is a good one, which indicates that the end of the battle is gradually in sight”.
The Monarch therefore, charged the Federal Government to fortify Nigerian troop with necessary equipment to prosecute and bring the war to an adding that Nigerians in the North-east deserve permanent peace.
Oba Makama also praised Nigeria Army authorities for their transparent disposition towards verification of the Army’s budgetary allocation as requested by the Civil Society Organizations.
He noted that he Freedom of Information Act does not compel public servants to reveal state secrets or give information, especially when it has to do with national security issue but applauded the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen Tukur Yusuf Buratai for his maturity.
“With this development, General Buratai has again demonstrated that Nigerian Army is genuinely determined to end this war through transparent dealings.
This is the first time in the history of the army to subject budget to such verification called for by civil society groups. Our duty as Nigerian citizens is to keep ore faith in our army. That is a way to give them confidence that their people back home are solidly behind them,” he said.
