Governor Nyesom Wike has narrated how women in Rivers State stopped men of the Nigerian Army from rigging the elections in the state in 2019.
Governor Wike spoke as he admonished the visiting Chief of Army Staff Lt. Gen. Farouk Yahaya not to allow his officers abandon their professional duties and get involved in mainstream politics.
The governor gave the charge when he hosted the new Chief of Army Staff on a courtesy visit at Government House, Port Harcourt on Monday evening.
Governor Wike noted how the fight against insecurity has suffered set back because Army officers became partisan and could not stand on the side of professional practice because of their bias.
He recalled the situation in Rivers State in when the Army turned the 6 Division into an election collation centre during the 2019 general elections in the state.
According to Governor Wike, Rivers women also stopped the Army from rigging the 2019 General Election. He, however, did not elaborate on the role and how women stopped the alleged rigging of the 2019 General Election in the state.
“I don’t understand why we cannot remove politics from our jobs. Let’s do our jobs and keep the country going. I can tell you that I’m willing and ready to work with all the security agencies, not only the army.
“The gun boats we are providing are almost ready. We have paid for everything. We will also provide vehicles. All I need is security of my people. I’m here to partner with you.
Governor Wike commended the new Chief of Army Staff for the proactive measures taken since he assumed duties to address the threats that have challenged the sovereignty of the country.
The Governor noted that the challenges will be enormous, but if the current tempo is sustained and also improved upon, the desired success will be achieved.
In his speech, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Farouk Yahaya, said he was in Port Harcourt on an operation visit to 6 Division of Nigerian Army, having just assumed command of the Nigeria Army recently.
According to him, he is also using his visit to officially open the Combat Support Training Week and has invited the governor to be their Special Guest of Honour.
