Published By Olukayode Idowu
Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum is said to have offered logistics and other support to the Nigerian Army in the ongoing war against Boko Haram insurgents without been asked by the military authorities.
The acting General Officer Commanding 7 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major General Abdulwahab Eyitayo made the assertion on Sunday, while adding that this has gone a long way in enhancing the military operation in the Northeast.
Eyitayo, while speaking during Zulum’s visit to the headquarters of the 7th Division of the Nigerian Army in Maiduguri during a social gathering organized by the army to celebrate the acting GOC’s recent promotion to the rank of a Major General.
Zulum, who was at the event as part of his usual support to the military operating in Borno State, was praised by Eyitayo, saying: “Severally without being prompted, you (Governor Zulum) come to our aide to support us (the army) even logistics wise. Through your persistence and unrelenting cooperation and assistance, you (Governor Zulum) have one way or the other, turned the spirit of the soldiers into fighting machines.”
The GOC requested Zulum to convey the gratitude of his officers to President Muhammadu Buhari and the Chief of Army Staff for identifying and promoting deserving soldiers involved with the fight against Boko Haram in Borno State, which he indicated, was highly encouraging.
Zulum, in his response, congratulated the acting GOC and other recently promoted military officers, saying the people of Borno share the good moment and are happy with it
Zulum said officers and personnel of the military and other security establishment deserve to be supported and encouraged. He described their duties as tough ones, hence the need for not only support by states, for increase in their entitlements, when the economy permits such considerations by the Federal Government.
The Governor credited his administration’s numerous efforts to the peace-building role of the military, which he said, has led to the safe resettlement of about 18 communities across Borno.
Zulum said with continued peace-building, more communities will be safely resettled, while some major roads, such as Maiduguri-Damboa road would be opened for the safe use of motorists.
Zulum was accompanied to the function by commissioners of Agriculture, Engr Bukar Talba, Sports and Youths Empowerment. Sainna Buba and Transport Abubakar Tijjani.
