Austin Pade, Yenagoa
Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State has tasked security agencies particularly the Armed Forces on the need to maintain their integrity and professionalism during and after the general elections this year.
The governor spoke at the formal launch of the 2019 Armed Forces Emblem Appeal Fund Week, in Yenagoa, at the weekend.
Governor Dickson also urged the military not to tarnish their longstanding reputation and positive image on the altar of anybody’s political ambition..
Represented by his deputy, Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah (rtd), the governor tasked the Armed Forces to fashion out new strategies and methodology for combating the country’s security challenges, which he noted, have assumed a more complex dimension.
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He stressed the need for collective efforts by all institutions and people of goodwill to tackle the insurgency in the North East as it has a pervasive knock-on effect on all parts of the country.
While commending security agencies for their sacrifices and contribution towards the protection of lives and property, the governor called on Nigerians to support the Armed Forces to enable them continually defend the territorial integrity of the country.
On behalf of the state government, the governor donated an undisclosed amount of money, and also charged the leadership of the state council of the Nigerian Legion to be transparent and accountable in the utilisation of proceeds of the Emblem Appeal Launch.
Responding to the Legionnaires’ requests, Governor Dickson assured them of his administration’s continued support and promised to look into issues affecting the smooth operation of the Mass Transport Scheme owned by the state council.
His words, “I want to thank and congratulate members of the Armed Forces for the various roles they have been playing to ensure peace and unity.
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“I have always said without contradiction that the Armed Forces is the formidable arm of government that has played a more serious role in unifying this country.
“The challenges in the country today have become more complex requiring new methods and innovations in trying to contain them.
“We are all aware of what is happening in some parts of the country, particularly in the North East and it’s spreading to other areas.
“As our country goes into elections in the coming months, your integrity will be called to question again.
“So, you have to avoid anything or actions that will tarnish the longstanding reputation you have built for yourself over the years.
“There is palpable apprehension in the country. I therefore call on you to act very professionally, making sure that your duty is performed to the best of your ability and leave the rest to those that are assigned certain specific roles.”
Earlier, the Chairman, Bayelsa State Council of the Nigerian Legion, Elder Ogele Okubokekeme expressed appreciation to the Restoration Government, individuals, the Nigerian Army and other security agencies for identifying with the activities of the Legion.
Okubokekeme, however, appealed to the government to provide a monthly overhead for the running of the legion office, procurement of new uniform and take appropriate measures to stop transport unions from harassing the operators of Nigerian Legion Mass Transport scheme.
He, however, called on the public to donate generously to the Emblem Appeal Fund as the proceeds are used in fending for the needs of widows and orphans of fallen members of the Armed Forces who passed on while serving the nation.