… Nigerians Should Feel Safe-COAS
By John Nwokocha Abuja
The House of Representatives Committee on Army has commended the chief of Army Staff, Lt General Tukur Buratai on leadership of the Nigerian Army, saying he has been innovative in terms of infrastructure development, ie, provision of water, and basic facilities for the army.
Chairman of the committee Hon Abdulrasaq Namdas, made the remarks at Army headquarters, Abuja, on Wednesday when he led members of the committee to brief the COAS about their observations during their oversight visit to military formations across the country.
Namdas noted that the COAS recorded tremendous achievements despite the challenges being faced such as banditry, kidnapping and general insecurity in the Northeast and Kaduna.
He noted that the challenge in Kaduna “is so huge. Kidnapping has resurfaced along the Abuja-Kaduna Road”.
The Rep members urged the army leadership to look inwards to improve on its manufacturing outfits for military uniforms, Ordinance Depot.
While stating that the capital component of the army is “too small”, Namdas pledged on behalf of the committee to support the army address the issue of lean resources.
Earlier, the permanent secretary, ministry of Defence, Mallam Babangida Huseni, has lauded COAS over the reforms he has introduced in the army and disclosed readiness to cooperate with the army for better relationships.
The Defence perm sec who was at Army headquarters with key officials of the ministry, said he was on the familiari zation visit to rob minds with COAS and look for a way of putting in place the right framework and policies that could enhance working relationship within the ministry.
He said that he had identified gaps in the working relationship within the Defence ministry, he stressed that the visit was aimed at cooperating with one another.
“Everybody should be made to see the clear objective.
“I look forward to a more engaging relationship and constructive engagements”.
Speaking, Buratai reiterated the lean resources confronting the army and called for the intervention of the Reps and permanent secretary, saying they work closely to ensure that their mandate is fulfilled.
He also sought their intervention in development of barracks.
Stating that “harmonious working relationship can never be taken for granted,” the COAS emphasizes on the need for synergy and understanding.”
He said, “Let me assure you and all Nigerians that the Nigerian Army is professional. We follow our rules of engagement. Nigerians should feel safe.”
He added, “In this regard, we have acquired two helicopters from the Transmission Company of Nigeria. We have added them to our platform and they will be rehabilitated and used for research.”
He said there was need for a Special Intervention Fund from the government for procurement of more equipment, training and provision of accommodation and other infrastructure in military barracks.
“Even though the budget has been made, there may be requirement for virement of funds because of shortage of funds needed for procurement of hardware especially to tackle the challenges in the North-East and North”. He said.
