Ikpeazu describes army as key institution to national unity …indentifies kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism as challenges in S/East

The Governor of Abia State, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu has described the Nigerian Army as one of the most fundamental institutions to the National Unity of the country.

This is even as the State Chief Executive disclosed that the greatest challenges in the South East are kidnapping, armed robbery and cult activities that just crept in.

Governor Ikpeazu who gave the assurance while receiving in audience a delegation of the acting General Officer Commanding, 82 Division of the Nigeria Army, Brigadier General L. A. Adeboye said that his administration would partner with them ensuring that security agencies succeed in its efforts towards securing the people and territorial integrity of the nation.

Ikpeazu in a release through his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Onyebuchi Ememanka, said his administration would do everything within its powers to sustain its support to the military.

Ememanka in the release stated that Governor Ikpeazu who described trade and commerce as key part of the focus of his government, said that the economy of the state cannot thrive without adequate security and good road; hence his administration has ensured good relationship between it and security agencies in Abia State.

Governor Ikpeazu in the release described the proliferation of small arms as the oxygen that fuels crime in Nigeria and called on the military to curb it.

The Governor, who commended the Chief of Army Staff and his men for their gallantry in fighting insecurity in Nigeria and ensure unity in Nigeria, also lauded the 14 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Ohafia for her cooperation with the State government. He said Abia people and residents are confident in the military and would continue to collaborate with her.

Speaking earlier, the acting General Officer Commanding, 82 Division, Brigadier General Laziz Adeboye said his visit is part of the familiarization tour in line with the custom of the military to visit States within its jurisdiction as a newly appointed G.O.C.

He commended Governor Okezie Ikpeazu for his numerous assistance to the Nigeria Army and assured him that the Army would continue to collaborate with the State to achieve its goal.

Deputy Governor Ude Oko Chukwu, Secretary to Government, Barrister Chris Ezem, Honorable Commissioner for Information, Chief John Okiyi-Kalu, Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor, Chief Ukpai Agwu, Permanent Secretaries and other top officials of the State Government were part of the ceremony.