Nyesom Wike, the Governor of Rivers State, has urged Lieutenant General Ibrahim Attahiru, the Chief of Army Staff, to withdraw troops from state governors and other politicians.
He made the call on Tuesday when the army chief led senior military officers including the new General Officer Commanding the Six Division in Port Harcourt, Major General Sani Mohammed on a courtesy visit to the Government House in Port Harcourt.
Wike tasked the COAS with making a difference by combating the country’s numerous security challenges, which include banditry, terrorism, kidnappings, and militancy, among others.
“The country is facing a lot of insecurity now. So withdraw these soldiers from politicians so that the soldiers can go and do their work,” he stated.
“In those days when you see a soldier, you run. These days, it is difficult because soldiers have been exposed to politics.
“I want you to make a difference to say that what your interest is to protect Nigerians, fight bandits, insurgency and not to carry ballot boxes.
The governor also expressed his dissatisfaction with the leadership of the former service chiefs, led by General Gabriel Olonisakin.
According to him, the move necessitated his decision to vote against the Nigeria Governors Forum’s (NGF) endorsement of the Federal Government’s fresh withdrawal of funds to combat insecurity.
In the battle against insecurity, he called for more cooperation.
