Isaac Ombe, Yenagoa
Ahead of the November 2023 gubernatorial elections in Bayelsa State, the Nigeria Army has launched what it described as ‘Exercise Still Waters’ in the state.
The exercise, according to the military hierarchy was aimed at covering all areas of security concerns in the state.
This was as Governor Douye Diri said that security was crucial to good governance.
Brig.-Gen. Sabisu Yakassai, Commander of the 16 Brigade, in Bayelsa State, who spoke at the flag off at Otuokpoti community in Ogbia Local Government Area of the state, on Wednesday, also gave insight on why the state was chosen for the exercise.
Gen. Yakassai explained that the location was selected after considering many factors. He maintained that the exercise was designed to cover all areas of security concerns in Bayelsa and that it involves all stakeholders within the security architecture in the state.
Said he, “The exercise was aimed at checkmating criminal activities such as pipeline vandalism, cultism, illegal oil refining, kidnapping among others as well as to prepare troops for the November 11 governorship election in the state.”
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Also in his remarks, Maj.-Gen. Jamil Abdusalam, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 6th Division disclosed that the exercise would also focus on key aspects of cyber warfare with a view to counter negative propaganda in the social media space and address other challenges experienced during the end of the year.
Gen. Abdusalam said personnel of the Nigerian Army were ready to pay the supreme price for the peace and security of Nigeria and commended commanders from other security formations for their participation and support in efforts geared toward maintaining peace and security.
In his comments at the flag off, Governor Diri stressed the importance of security in order to deliver good governance to the people said this necessitated the commitment and support of his administration to elfforts by security agencies to promote security in the state.
Governor Diri recalled that since assuming office, his administration had given priority to security of lives and property as it is the essence of good governance.
Describing the operation as a ‘welcome development’ at a time the country was approaching the yuletide and Bayelsa was preparing for an off-cycle governorship election, he lauded the efforts of the military in reducing crime and criminality in the state and urged them to continue to be proactive and collaborate with the state government to keep Bayelsa peaceful.
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The governor noted that the success of previous exercises contributed to the peaceful yuletide period in the state and commended the Chief of Army Staff for sustaining the exercise while expressing optimism that this year’s operation will be more successful.
His words, “In our state and as we all know, we are in a period called the ember months, which attract criminal activities. So it is necessary to set in place the machinery to check criminal activities as well as more importantly for the governorship election.
“Since assuming office, I have given priority to the security of our people and this is the essence of good governance. I have ensured that our people sleep with their two eyes closed. And I appreciate the sacrifices and commitment of our gallant forces, which have helped reduce crime in our state.
“As a government, we commend the officers and men for their commitment to duty and conducting this important military exercise, which covers the entire state. We will collaborate with the 16th Brigade to promote peace and security.”