Security was beefed up around the Plateau State House of Assembly on Monday morning.
Clerk of the house Ponven Wuyep, confirmed to newsmen that there is heavy presence of security around the house but normal administrative activities were going on.
He debunked claims that the house was under seal.
“No the house was not sealed because normal activities are going. I am currently in the house. But there is additional security standing by and nobody is saying anything to anybody.
“Our normal security personnel is at the main gate. Staff is coming in and going out without any problem,” .
It could be recalled that on Saturday, the house in press conference asked people in the state to defend themselves following the upheavals that have ravaged the state in recent times.
A night attack on Yelwan Zangam last Tuesday left at least 37 people dead.
Plateau killings – Lalong visits trouble spots, vows to stand by his people always
By Golok Nanmwa ,Jos
Plateau State Governor, Simon Lalong, on Sunday embarked on a visit to troubled areas of the State in the wake of the recent attacks in Bassa and Jos North local government areas.
Lalong who led a delegation of traditional rulers , other stakeholders as well as security operatives said he would always stand by his people at all times .
The Governor first port of call was the Yelwa Zangam Community where over 30 persons were killed by gunmen .
Ateker Pada Bitrus who lost 9 members of his immediate family spoke on behalf of the survivors, wherein he appealed to the Governor to urgently address the Food crisis in the community following the destruction of their grains and their farmlands.
He also requested on behalf of the community for the building of a police station to assist in the responding to distress calls.
Governor Lalong while expressing his condolences to the Anaguta nation sued for restraints expressing concern over those he described as using the deaths of the over 30 persons in the community to score political points.
He sympathized with the affected people and called for calm, assuring them that they will get justice, we would ensure that those arrested are prosecuted .
Governor Lalong again warned criminals that they will be pursued, arrested and dealt with, no matter how long it takes, as his administration will not allow the reign of terror to persist and rubbish all the investments made in restoring calm in the State.
We will act swiftly to the request of the Anaguta Association especially the siting of a Police Station and rehabilitation of the bridge, when next I come back here it is to commission these projects, but we must continue to pray and be watchful .
Governor Lalong also announced that, the Federal and state government will mobilize relief materials that will be distributed beginning Monday to the affected community while he expect more federal deployments of security personnel.
He thereafter took a tour of Yelwa Zangm to assess for himself the level of carnage visited on the community
The Paramount leader of Anaguta people His Royal Highness Johnson. Juro who also spoke at the occasion described Governor Simon Lalong as a lover of the people of Anaguta .
In his words ” I am the chief mourner and nobody can mourn the lives and property lost more than me. I am not blaming Governor Lalong of the misfortune that befell us. Let the hate on social media stop.”
“Lalong has always stood for us and the people of Plateau at all times .
‘Lets continue to support Governor Lalong to tackle the insecurity bedeviling the state “,he further added .
A REJOINDER TO THE PURPORTED WORLD PRESS CONFERENCE BY ELDERS AND STAKEHOLDERS OF PANKSHIN LGA IN RESPONSE TO THE PLATEAU STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY PRESS RELEASE.DATED SATURDAY 28TH AUGUST,2021.
The purported Elders and stakeholders of Pankshin LGA, Which will subsequently be referred to as The Group, claimed to be stakeholders and Elders of Pankshin LGA, This is flat-out incorrect, we challenge the group to publish names of everyone present in the purported meeting, to the best of our understanding this is a group of political stooges who are just displaying their level of ignorance on the true state of Plateau State and singing the songs of the Governor in a bid to secure the state Government sympathy in 2023 and also to protect their selfish Agenda.
The Group claimed to Sympathize with the innocent people massacred within the Northern part of the State: it is on record that the so-called Stakeholders and Elders of Pankshin have not even for once by way of conduct or actions commiserate with the People of Bassa, Jos North, Barkin Ladi, Riyom ETC, before now. It begs the question what is the secret behind this fire brigade political approach? Or maybe they have suddenly regained consciousness and are awake from their slumber. 3The Group commended the Governor and security agencies on the Plateau for efforts made so far in curtailing the escalation of the Crisis, By this, the group have been betrayed by their obvious ignorance regarding the actual state and plight of people in the affected communities, it is on record that the Governor has not visited any of the epic center that was recently attacked and best he went to the hospital and other places which are safe heaven compare to what is happening in the affected communities, He did not attend the Burial and no high power delegation as Representative was sent as we saw in the case of the deputy Governor Sonni Tyoden escorted the Ondo indigenes to their State, while the Governor was on official assignment in Kano dinning with Buhari and other political Giants. While a Dusk to Dawn Curfew was imposed which has been the best strategy of the government and which has proven not to be the best strategy as people are still massacre in the most brutal and inhumane manner anyone can think of during Same curfew Hours.
The Group also praised the Governor who they claimed has tried exceedingly well, in the last six years to ensure that Plateau State enjoys Peace and stability, despite limited funds: the recent Happenings in the State do not represent these witless claims as it is on record that the Governor of Plateau State has underperforming in terms of security if past and current statistics of casualties are anything to go by, as it only shows the recklessness, irresponsibility and Nonchalant attitude of the APC led government; the constant attacks on Bassa, Jos North and other parts of the states shows. That the Governor is helpless and has run short of ideas. He has indeed underperformed.
The Group in a bid to Satisfy the Government of the day, Tend to discredit the ever-powerful, well articulated, and people-oriented World Press Conference on the state of insecurity on the Plateau by our Pro people and unintimidated House of Assembly which if properly evaluated with the lenses of Truth, equity and good conscience encapsulated the concerns of the good people of Plateau State and the dejected Masses in the villages, as it was devoid of any partisan, Tribal or religious connotations.
As a body of conscious people who believe in Posterity we Humbly subscribe to the following; A. That the House of Assembly under the stewardship of Rt. Hon Abok recognized it’s a constitutional obligation to the people and as such cannot sit and watch the barbaric and continuous killing of her people without taking necessary parliamentary Actions as a responsible Arm of Government. B.That the House of Assembly as an establishment of government and the umbrella that house All Plateau people through honorable members are saddle with the responsibility of not just making laws but ensuring its implementations as such the actions of the House of Assembly is not out of place as it conforms to the sacred obligation of government to protect life and property. C.That the 2weeks Ultimatum given to the Governor is the step in the right direction, we appeal that it shouldn’t be compromised and failure of the executive to comply with the ultimatum should be visited with stiff rejection from the House of Assembly by way of putting words into action, the constitutional power to impeach the Governor should be enforced.
we want to commend our legislators representing us. The Plateau State House of Assembly, namely, Hon.Philip Peter Dasun, Pankshin North, and Hon.Henry Longs, Pankshin South for taking the bold step of taking the Bull by the Horn and standing with the Oppress People at a time where posterity and history are watching. but just like Oliver Twist “we are asking for More legislative actions”.
We the Youths fully associate ourselves with the unbiased and nonpartisan decision of our members and we stand on the unshakable pillars of solidarity with the House of Assembly, That as an independent arm of Government they must continue to discharge their parliamentary responsibilities without fear or favor.
We the youths and ordinary stakeholders of Pankshin L.G.A. reject in totality the ill and anti-people world conference drafted by some misguided political elements parading themselves as Elders and stakeholders of Pankshin LGA. Who is standing with the oppressor of the people just to gain cheap political scores, indeed a fool at 50 is a fool forever! The Press Release did not in any way reflect the Wisdom, Incorruptible, Astute, and God-fearing ELDERS AND STAKEHOLDERS of our beloved Local Government. On this note, we declare them Persona Non-Grata S, As Albert Einstein Says ” whoever is careless with the truth in small matters cannot be trusted in important affairs'”. Knowing fully well that one of the signatories is an Aspirant for the position of senate 2023! We shall remind you, keep fraternizing with the oppressors.
Lastly, we plead to all patriotic citizens of Plateau State and Pankshin LGA to stand in solidarity and Unity with the House of Assembly as Martin Luther King Jr will say ” we must learn to live together as brother’s or we will perish together as fools”.
Solidarity Forever! Solidarity Forever! Solidarity Forever.! Just like El Dorado Plateau State will rise like the Day and From the ashes of yesterday, we Shall Build a new Plateau of our Dreams… APOLOGIES TO Baba Paul Gindiri! J.D. Gomwalk! Solomon Lar. Long live Plateau State… Signed: All concerned Youths of Pankshin LGA.
GOVERNOR LALONG NOT TO BLAME FOR PLATEAU ATTACKS: UJAH OF ANAGUTA
The Ujah of Anaguta, His Royal Highness Pozo Johnson Magaji Jauro, First Class Traditional Ruler in Jos North Local Government has berated those blaming Governor Simon Lalong for the recent attacks in the State saying such accusations are baseless and uncharitable as the Governor has done his best to promote security and peace of the State.
The Ujah was speaking when Governor Lalong visited Yelwa Zangam village in Jos North Local Government Area to commiserate with the community over the recent attack that claimed lives and resulted in destruction of properties.
He said the Anaguta nation is grieved with the attack which was very barbaric and carefully planned, but cannot put the blame on Governor who has not only empowered the security agencies to protect the people, but has also established structures to promote peaceful coexistence.
He said what is needed now is for the Governor to be supported to pursue the cause of justice by ensuring that the perpetrators are fished out and punished according to the law.
“I want everyone to quote me. I am the Chief mourner of this tragedy and nobody can mourn more than me. Let me appreciate the swift response of the security agencies and Government when we were attacked. I am not blaming Governor Lalong for the attack. I have been hearing all sorts of nonsense on the social media. How can somebody emancipate you and then turn back to kill you. This narrative is very very unfortunate. Governor Lalong is a lover of Anaguta people, lover of Jos North, Lover of Plateau State and lover of peace” he said.
Also speaking, Mr. Sunday Bunu, Chairman or Anaguta Development Association said the community has been exposed due to lack of a Police station and access road which made response difficult during the attack. He asked for compensation for the victims, rehabilitation of houses destroyed, payment of hospital bills, reconstruction of Kunga bridge, as well as the construction of an alternative road linking the village to the permanent site of the University.
A representative of the affected families Mr. Bitrus Pada who lost members of his family said a total of 33 people were killed during the attack while several others were injured and are receiving treatment in various hospitals. He said they need urgent supply of food items and temporary shelter as most of their possessions were burned and looted.
Governor Lalong while condoling the community over the incident said he was highly grieved over the killings which are purely criminal and can never be left to go unpunished.
The Governor directed that a police station be established in the village and assured them that the newly trained vigilante will be deployed to the area. He also directed that relief materials be supplied immediately to alleviate the suffering of the victims. He also visited the residence of the village head which was destroyed as well as the bridge linking the community, directing that immediate repairs be carried out.
Lalong also told them that he has mandated the security agencies to fish out the killers no matter how long it takes because all the attacks in the State are purely acts of criminality, no matter the attempts by some persons to change the narrative.
The Governor urged the people to be consoled as no amount of conjecture will bring back the dead. However, he assured them that he will ensure that those killed get justice as those arrested will be head prosecuted diligently.
He asked the Anaguta people and others who have suffered recent in recent attacks to ignore the attempt by some politicians to incite them and pitch them against the government under the guise that they care for them.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State. 29th August 2021.
WORLD PRESS CONFERENCE BY ELDERS AND STAKEHOLDERS OF PANKSHIN LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA IN RESPONSE TO THE PLATEAU STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY PRESS RELEASE ON PRESENT STATE OF INSECURITY IN PLATEAU STATE. DATED THIS DAY, SATURDAY 28th AUGUST, 2021.
Protocol
1. We the elders and stakeholders of Pankshin Local Government Area of Plateau State, Nigeria held our regular meeting today being Saturday 28th August, 2021 at the residence of Professor John Wokton Wade, mni residence and resolved on germane issues of State and national concerns.
2. After observing one minute silence in honour of those who lost their lives during all sectarian attacks in Plateau State, we wish to sincerely extend our heartfelt condolences to the Government and good People of Plateau State on the recent security infractions in some communities of Plateau state that led to unprovoked killings of innocent lives, destructions of farmlands and hard-earned properties, thereby truncating sources of livelihood of the affected fellow citizens. We also commiserate with the families of the lost ones. These actions are highly unjustifiable and condemnable, especially the most recent Yelwa Zangam in Jos North LGA massacre. We sincerely share in their pains and sensitivity of Plateau people.
3. It is unfortunate that the people of Plateau State will continue to experience unprovoked attacks on our communities by “unknown herdsmen” that will, hopefully, one day be known to the whole world.
4. We therefore, commend the Executive Governor of Plateau State, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. (Dr) Simon Bako Lalong, KSGG and all the security agencies on the Plateau for the efforts made so far in curtailing the escalation and aftermath spiral effects of these attacks.
5. It is to our knowledge that the introduction of Plateau State Inter Religious Council, which the Executive Governor has implemented and the Five Years Road Map to Peace and Security and several other initiatives.
6. The Governor has also tried, exceedingly well, in the last six years to ensure that Plateau State enjoys some reasonable level of peace and stability, despite limited funds, shortage in logistics support, slow in security interventions and other challenges.
7. With the unfortunate incidences that lead to death and destruction of lives and properties of some Communities listed above, and the tremendous and commendable efforts of the Governor and his cabinet as well as Security Council in restoring peace and confidence, we noted with concern the nature, quality and contents of the “World Press Conference on the state of insecurity in Plateau State….” by the Plateau State House of Assembly on Friday 27th August 2021. Specifically, we note the following:
a. We note and appreciate the right of individuals and groups in exercising freedom of speech. We however note that in parliamentary parlance, first motions on the floor of the House are advisory to the Executive and not an issue of ultimatum and subject to a press conference and or release.
b. The legislative arm should not be seen to usurp the role of the Executive at the expense of their constitutional duties. For example, Employment and Security matters, amongst others are known world over as the function of the Executive and giving directive to the Local Government Chairmen to recruit vigilantes is an affront on the executive and exercise in futility, as responsible citizens of this country, we take exception to that.
c. Similarly, it is worrisome and embarrassing that instead of being seen working in tandem with the Executive, especially in this most trying period, the Press Conference went as far as giving the Governor ultimatum of two (2) weeks to take action on certain motions of the House.
8. It is incumbent on us the electorates and good people of Pankshin LGA to hold our elected representatives accountable, given that they are sent on special constitutional mandate for the common good and not to be combative and seen to be running a parallel government with the Executive arm as portrayed in a recent world press conference by Hon. Philip Peter Dasun, Chairman, House Committee on Information in the Plateau State House of Assembly.
9. Consequently, we the elders and major stakeholders of Pankshin Local Government Area denounce the conduct of our Legislators representing us in the Plateau State House of Assembly, namely, Hon. Philip Peter Dasun, Pankshin North and Hon. Henry Longs, Pankshin South for taking such inimical actions in a world press conference without reverting to the constituents for input and consent.
10. Arising from some of our germane observations on the contents and representations made above, we, the elders and stakeholders dissociate ourselves with such tactical and strategic blunders that clearly portray conflict of interest between the Legislature and Executive.
11. Gentlemen of the Press, we the elders and major stakeholders of Pankshin LGA hope and pray that all these perennial killings, wanton destruction of farmlands and properties shall also pass away and Plateau State shall rise again, strong, viral and egalitarian where every citizen will coexist in harmony and tranquility.
12. Finally, we appeal to elders and all Citizens of Plateau State that we join hands with the Governor to see to it that this ill that has fallen on us be put to an end in its totality. We don’t have any other State than Plateau. This is time for reasoning and not blame shift. We are all brothers and sisters who should be able to resolve our issues and avoid external people tampering with our collective interest.
13. Thank you and may God bless our dear Plateau State.
Long live Pankshin LGA
Long live Plateau State
Long live Nigeria.
Signed:
HON. DIKET PLANG
On Behalf of Elders and Stakeholders of Pankshin LGA
PROF. CJ DAKAS MOURNS PLATEAU BLOGGER, VOU LOISINTA PWOL
Prof CJ Dakas, has commiserated with the family of Plateau female blogger, Miss Vou Loisinta Pwol, who died on Saturday in Jos.
Dakas in a statement on Sunday described the demise of Pwol as a shocking death that had robbed Plateau State of a talented young social media entrepreneur who carved a niche for herself among her peers by impacting positively on the society using her online media outfit,”The State Of Plateau”.
According to him, the sudden death of Pwol was a sad occurrence and a big blow to the state and particularly the social media where she distinguished herself and which he would encourage the younger generation to follow in her footsteps and change the society’s narratives for good.
“Vou Loisinta Pwol was a recurring name in the social media space and made her mark as an online blogger who had shown interest in all that were for the good of Plateau State,Nigeria and humanity.
“I have personally and severally read some eye-catching and memorable stories on her online platform which stories were the hallmark of professional journalism, as they were accurate, factual, credible, balanced, objective, reliable and responsible.
“I therefore wish to send my sincere condolences to her immediate family, the media, particularly the Online Bloggers Association in Plateau State, Plateau youths and pray that God grants her soul eternal rest,” Dakas said.
While urging all who mourn her to take solace in the fact that death is an inevitable end for all mortals, Dakas prayed that God would raise more of her kind who would take on the challenges of today, despite life’s obstacles, and fill the huge vacuum created by her exit.
DAYYABU GARGA SENDS CONDOLENCES ON DEMISE OF LATE VOU LOISINTA.
I received the sad news of the death of Miss Vou Loisinta Pwol with very mixed feelings yesterday.
This sad event occurred at a time the very pragmatic and enterprising young woman was contributing so much to the course of Plateau State as a media personality of repute through her online platform,”The State Of Plateau”.
Having had the Late Vou Loisinta Pwol covered several of my activities under the various Ministries as a Commissioner, The Dayyabu Garga Foundation and my political journey into emerging as flag bearer of the APC for Kanam Local Government Chairmanship position,the relationship had been that of a father/daughter seeing her exhibition of professionalism.
I believe in the supremacy of the Almighty God that no one questions his will as such urge us to bear this loss so close to our hearts.
My sincere condolences goes to her family and friends,the media industry on the plateau,online bloggers and generality of plateau youths.
Her memories will remain in us as we journey through the challenges of today looking at a brighter tomorrow.
May God in his infinite mercy grant her soul rest and us all the fortitude to bear this loss,Amen.
ALHAJI (DR) DAYYABU YUSUF GARGA HON COMMISSIONER MINISTRY FOR PHYSICAL PLANNING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, PLATEAU STATE.
REPORT OF ATTACK ON LUXURIOUS BUSES IN JOS FAKE – GOVERNOR LALONG.
Members of the public are advised to ignore a social media post purportedly showing luxurious buses on fire with the caption “Plateau crises and genocide worsens as 2 luxurious buses conveying Igbos down East were set on fire with 156 passengers inside” which is fake, as no such incident happened.
This is purely the handiwork of crises merchants and mischief makers who want to create panic and instigate violence and fear among the people.
For the avoidance of doubt, the security situation in Plateau State is very much under control as security personnel have been deployed to all parts of Jos to enforce the 24 hour curfew still in force, as well as also ensure compliance with the dusk to dawn curfew in Jos South and Bassa LGAs.
The Governor of Plateau State Rt. Hon. Simon Bako Lalong has directed security agencies to track and fish out the purveyors of such fake information whose objective is to cause panic and crisis.
The public is also advised to desist from sharing such fake information as it can lead to unpleasant consequences for innocent persons.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State. 28th August 2021.
WE ARE REVIEWING OUR OPERATIONS SAYS GEN IRABOR, AS DHQ ENDS GEO-POLITICAL ZONES SECURITY PARLEY WITH RETIRED SENIOR MILITARY OFFICERS The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Lucky Irabor on Friday 27 August 2021, disclosed that the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN), is currently reviewing its operational engagements in the various theatres in order to bring peace in troubled parts of the country. Gen Irabor stated this at the 6th edition of the CDS security parley with military veterans tagged, “CDS Interactive Session with Retired Senior Military Officers in the South South Geo-political zone” held at 63 Brigade, Nigerian Army, in Asaba, Delta state. The CDS averred that the security parley which was flagged-off in the South West, have been worthwhile, successful and beneficial to the AFN, as several topical issues emanated from all the geo-political zone. This, he said is guiding the military high command in reviewing its operational doctrines and plans. According to Gen Irabor, “interaction is a continuous process, *so* much value has emerged from the interactive session with our retired senior officers, and we are going to leverage the success and benefit to improve on security and safety of lives and properties.” The Defence Chief noted that the operational engagements of DELTA SAFE which is in synergy with other internal security arrangement are impacting on the peculiar security challenges, which are illegal oil bunkering, piracy, among others, adding that the security disposition in the South-South (SS) region will continue to get better. He further explained that the security parley would focus on engaging critical stakeholders such as royal fathers, some of who are equally retired senior officers and among the participants to take some tip bits arising from the interaction in sensitizing their subjects. The CDS assured that the AFN will continue to foster the right ambience for other stakeholders in order to holistically combat the *myriad* of security in the region. According to him, “there are other engagements that are holding behind the scene, as we have assessed that kinetic efforts is only a part of the solution, there are non-kinetic approach which forms partof the engagement that is focused on the holistic solutions to the challenges in the Niger Delta region. The Chief of Defence Civil Military Cooperation (CDCIMIC), Rear Admiral Fredrick Ogu, in his remarks, said as stakeholders in the defence and security sector, the retired senior officers are in a vintage disposition to understand the array of security issues in their domain. He added that they could offer professional counsel on likely strategies to adopt in tackling the security threats. The CDCIMIC further disclosed that myriad of security issues in the nation and those specific to each geo-political zone were x-rayed, while adding that the outcome of the engagements with the veterans was rewarding. He listed the heightened insecurity in the SS zone to be attacks on local communities, piracy, militia attacks, cultism, illegal oil theft, vandalizing of critical national assets, sabotage, high sea robbery, kidnapping and other sundry crimes. Earlier in his welcome address, the General Officer Commanding, 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Sani Mohammed lauded the initiative by the CDS in mooting the idea where senior serving and retired military officers were able to gather to brainstorm on a collective approach towards enhancing operational performance of the military in the SS region. Prominent among the participants were the former Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha Jonah (rtd) and the former CDS, Gen Alexander Ogomudia (rtd). The Royal fathers that were in attendance include: His Royal Highness (HRH), Maj Gen Felix Mujakperuo (rtd), HRH Air Vice Marshal (AVM), Lucky Ararile (rtd) and HRH Brig Gen Bright Fiboinumama (rtd). The Chief of Defence Intelligence (CDI), Maj Gen Samuel Adebayo, Director General-Defence Research and Development Bureau, AVM Peter Uzezi, Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Central Naval Command, Rear Admiral Kennedy Egbuchulam, FOC Logistics Command, Rear Admiral Sileranda Lassa and the Air Officer Commanding Mobility Command, AVM Ali Bello were among the top military brass that graced the security parley. The major activities that took place during the close door sessions at the one day parley in all the six geo-political zones was the CDI’s brief on the general security threats being experienced in each of the zone. A group/syndicates’ presentations on the assigned thematic areas were delivered by the retired senior officers, while the “A” Team Unique Professional Limited, a Consultant to Defence Headquarters and facilitators of the CDS security parley, anchored the interactive sessions. BENJAMIN OLUFEMI SAWYERR Major General Director Defence Information 27 August 2021
DEFENCE INTELLIGENCE AGENCY DID NOT ORDER THE ARREST OF RETIRED COMMODORE KUNLE OLAWUNMI The attention of the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has been drawn to an online news publication by Sahara Reporters alleging that the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) ordered the arrest of retired Cdre Kunle Olawunmi for recently appearing on Channels Television programme (Sunrise Daily). The Armed Forces may not want to join issues with Sahara Reporters for the scandalous and malicious publication insinuating that it’s Agency has ordered the arrest of Cdre Olawunmi (rtd) for sharing his views on matters of defence and national security. It is gratifying to state that the retired military officer who is on the military reserve list was only invited via SMS and voice by DIA to further furnish the AFN with relevant and pressing security information which he may be opportuned to have knowledge of as a Professor of Global Security Studies. The said proposed meeting between DIA and the retired senior Navy officer was intended to get credible tips on boosting the fight against terrorism/insurgency, banditry and sundry crimes. He was not asked to come along with his international passport. This in no way constitute any form of arrest speculated by Sahara Reporters. It is very sad that an online media like Sahara Reporters would capitalize on a proposed meeting between an agency and it’s stakeholder to paint the story in a manner intended to portray the military as draconic government agency acting in a crude manner. The general public should please note that the AFN is a professional entity that will continue to be responsive to all credible information that will promote peace and unity of our dear country. As you will recall, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Lucky Irabor has just completed his tour of the 6 Geo-Political Zones where he interacted with retired military officers with a view to rallying them to lend their support to the Armed Forces of Nigeria. In this regard, I wish to use this medium to encourage the retired senior officer to come forward to give valuable information to the military authorities as a patriotic citizen who has served meritoriously in various capacities in the Nigerian Navy before retirement. BENJAMIN OLUFEMI SAWYERR Major General Director Defence Information 28 August 2021
Freelance Reporters 