Osun Monarch Advocates More Support, Funding For Nigerian Military
A monarch in Osun state and Chairman, Owu Council of Obas, Oba Hameed Adekunle Makama, the Olowu of Kuta kingdom has called for more support for the nation’s military.
Oba Makama made the call on Tuesday at his palace in Owu Kuta, Osun state, while addressing a press conference.
He said the military of any nation is its pride and must be adequately supported for optimal performance.
The monarch, who noted the bravery and professionalism of Nigerian soldiers in the fight against terror, said they needed all the support they could get from the nation and its people.
He said distractions in the form of negative comments about serving and ex military officers could demoralize the men fighting for their fatherland.
Oba Makama cautioned Nigerians against making derogatory comments about members of the Nigerian armed forces by whose blood the nation is kept safe and protected.
He said: “Men of the Nigerian military deserve honour and respect from all Nigerians. They risk their lives daily so their fellow Nigerians could sleep with their two eyes closed”.
“Those people are a special breed. They require both financial and moral support from all of us, as well as gratitude, honour and respect for what they do. They are heroes and should be treated as such.”
The monarch’s assertion came on the heels of allegations of corruption levelled against former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Tukur Buratai (rtd.) late last week.
Oba Makama said such unsubstantiated allegations as those levelled against the former COAS could demoralize good men working hard for the good of the nation.
His words: “It is therefore considered the most unpatriotic act for anyone to keep insulting this gentleman, whose antecedents, even as a diplomat, have continued to stand him out as an honest, transparent and patriotic Nigerian.”
He urged Nigerians to encourage rather than demoralize the military, who usually are the first responders in times of trouble and insecurity.
Funding the military
Oba Makama reiterated his belief in the Nigerian military to bring the war against insurgents and bandits across the country to a logical end with adequate funding.
He said, in order for the military to perform its constitutional role optimally, it must be equipped with sophisticated weapons and required military hardware.
The monarch also noted that the war against terror is an asymmetric warfare which requires not only funding but also top-notch intelligence gathering capacity as well as support of all Nigerians.
He added that nation building starts from appreciating the sacrifice of men and officers of the nation’s military.
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