The Nigerian Governors’ Forum has commended the zeal with which the new Service Chiefs are carrying out their work as well as the synergy existing between them.
Chairman of the Forum, Dr Kayode Fayemi gave the commendation on behalf of his colleagues, while speaking to State House Correspondents on Monday, after he met behind closed doors with President Muhammadu Buhari.
He said the collaboration between the Service Chiefs would lead to more successes in the fight against insurgency.
“The President has taken the right step in changing the leadership of the security services but we never suggested even at the time we were arguing for a change of guard in the leadership, that it was going to be an automatic transformation of the security situation simply on account of that change.
“However, precisely because there has been a change, you can see that there is also a concerted effort, few days ago, all the Service Chiefs came together to issue a statement that they were accountable to the Chief of Defence Staff, that is a very significant position to take.
“Because we know what has been the source of inter-service rivalry in our military, which also affects performance on the field yet, they are supposed to b engaged in the same war against insurgency.
“So, the fact there is unanimity and they are trying to speak with one voice, I think that is a significant step in boosting the morale of their men on the field and the effort that they are taking to go round and audit the equipment and the situation of their men, is going to help to improve the condition of the security services,” he said.
Dr Fayemi also used the occasion to assure farmers that efforts are being made to ensure they work on their farms without hindrances, to avoid food crisis.
He said: “We are very concerned about that and it was one of the issues that came up in my discussion with the President. For us, there’s no use giving just verbal assurances, farmers need to see concrete action on the ground, dedicated to protecting them in doing their business and that is why majority of our states are very focused on the National Livestock Transformation Plan that would at least confine those who want to graze their cattle to a dedicated space rather than roaming around and destroying crops, leading to conflicts.
“But before that comes to fruition, on a state-by-state basis, we are all working hard and we need a wider strategy to enable us achieve food security because if we don’t make concerted efforts, we will definitely end up with food shortage in the country.”
Fayemi said President Muhammadu Buhari is to send a special request to the National Assembly, to secure funds for the procurement of more equipment for the country’s military.
Fayemi said the President wants an accelerated action on the request, so as to fortify the military in their effort to end insurgency.
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