Nigeria’s new Chief of Army Staff, (COAS), Lt Gen Faruk Yahaya, has renewed the commitment of the country’s armed forces to sustain the peaceful co-existence of Nigerians irrespective of ethnic, religious, cultural and political differences.
He gave the pledge today when he received the Olowu of Kuta, in Ayedire Local Government Area of Osun State, Oba Ahmed Adekunle Oyelude, Tegbosun III, at the Army Headquarters, Abuja. The royal father had paid him a courtesy visit in his office.
Besides, Yahaya praised traditional rulers in the country for what he described as their fatherly role and rising above primordial sentiments on matters affecting national security and the corporate existence of Nigeria.
He added that their tremendous role goes a long way in mitigating security challenges in different parts of the country.
Particularly, he commended the consistent efforts of the Olowu of the Kuta Kingdom in supporting the military and security forces in the country, noting that his efforts of building bridges of understanding among Nigerians are worthy of emulation.
He urged Oba Oyelude to intensify efforts at making the traditional institutions reliable partners in the Nigerian project, particularly the need to ensure citizens commitment to patriotism, socioeconomic and cultural integration of her vast populations.
The COAS also pledged that the Nigerian Army would continue to discharge its Constitutional duties professionally and dispassionately for the benefit of all Nigerians.
Stating the purpose of his visit earlier, the royal father said he was at the Army Headquarters to commiserate with the COAS over the death of a former army Provost Marshal, Gen. Ahmed Hassan and also to congratulate him over his well-deserved appointment.
He noted that Yahaya’s competence and experience would come in handy in the discharge of his duties.
The monarch who is the President of Owu Obas nationwide, promised to rally other traditional rulers behind government policies and programmes that will guarantee the peaceful co-existence of Nigerians and be in the vanguard of ideas that would continue to secure the country from internal and external threats.
Oba Oyelude called for more support for the Nigerian Army. He also canvassed for more synergy and cooperation among the military for peace, unity, security and development of Nigeria.
