From Everest Ezihe, Owerri
Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has begged the Federal Government of Nigeria on the need for an improved revenue allocations to the military as strategic means of enhancing their welfare and guarantee for the protection of the country’s democratic rule.
Uzodimma made the proposal when the House of Representatives Committee on Army on oversight function in Imo State recently paid a courtesy visit on him at the Government House, Owerri.
He pleaded with the National Assembly to consider giving the Army the necessary support so as to encourage them to come out with patriotic zeal and might in effective defense and protection of the nation, noting that, “sufficient funding is the answer.”
The Governor added that the welfare of the Military should be of utmost priority to the Federal Government and National Assembly for the sustenance of the nation’s democracy.
Uzodimma further directed the Brigade Commander, 34 Artillery Brigade, Obinze to seize the opportunity of the visit to show the members, the problems facing the Army in the State in general and the Command in particular.
He expressed hope that the visit will bring reprieve to the myriad of challenges facing the Army and possibly, proffer solutions confronting them in Imo State.
The Governor also recalled that recently, the Army in Imo State and the South East were challenged by criminal elements who indulge in banditry, kidnapping, oil theft and destruction of public and private investments, suggesting that it has become necessary to ask for the assistance of the Nigerian Army in Imo State and South East to deal with the afore mentioned vices.
Uzodimma however acknowledged the synergy between the Army and other Security Agencies, saying that such has become necessary to enable all of them to put in their best.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Committee on Army, Rt. Hon. Abdullahi Mamudu, accompanied by other members told the Governor that they were in Imo State on oversight function of the Military formations and thanked the Governor for giving them the opportunity to visit him despite his tight schedule.
Mamudu pointed out that their visit to the Governor, who is their senior colleague and veteran lawmaker, is to draw from his wealth of experiences and seek his blessings.
He said that their responsibility is to look at the budget of the Nigerian Army and to go round to ascertain what is on ground in relation to what the National Assembly provided for them.
Other members of the Committee who came with the Chairman include Hon. Emeka Chinedu, Hon. Harrison Anozie Nwadike, Hon. Mathew Nwogu, Hon. Fom Dalyop Chollom and of course, the Commandant 34 Artillery Brigade Obinze, Brig. Gen. U A Lawal.
