By Richard Akintade
The Olowu of Kuta in Ayedire local government area of Osun state, Oba Hammed Adekunle Makama, on Wednesday warned unscrupulous politicians to stop politicising the army.
Olowu in a statement issued and made available to newsmen, said the report from some states in the South-South indicated that military were used to perpetuate violence on the innocent citizens.
He warned desperate politicians to stop dragging Nigeria Military into politics because of its dire consequence on our stability and national cohesion.
The revered monarch who maintained that the army represents our symbols of unity, said the onus is on them to remain apolitical.
He decried a situation where by some politicians armed their thugs in military fatigues to cause mayhem, saying this is not acceptable.
According to the Monarch, “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 owe our military 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, also canvass for and 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 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” He noted.
