Military Gets Kudos For Nigeria’s Unity

Governor Martin Elechi of Ebonyi State has commended the Nigerian Armed Forces for ensuring the unity of the country.

Elechi made the commendation on Monday in Abakaliki when the participants of the National Defence College, Course 19-Geo Strategic Study Tour paid him a courtesy visit.

He said that in spite of noticeable flaws of the military while in governance, its unflinching stand on the oneness of all ethnic groups in the country was unquestionable.

“The policy thrust of the military rule though not known to all was to ensure that all segments of the nation remained one being the dream of our founding fathers.

“The manner in which the military had conducted itself since handing over power to civilians in 1999 had demonstrated its high level of professionalism and faith in the enhancement of democracy,” Elechi said.

The governor urged the participants to be objective in their findings about the state as it was still young and in a hurry to compete with the older ones.

“We see the development of all sectors in the state as a priority, though emphasis is placed on the infrastructure development.

“This is to bridge the communication gap between the rural and urban areas,” Elechi said.

Brig. Gen. Olufemi Adeosun, Deputy Commandant of the College and leader of the delegation, told the governor that the team was in the state to conduct research on its development.

He said the team would suggest ways in which the people could feel more impact of governance.

“The theme of our research, ‘Environmental Protection and Social Development in Ebonyi’ is instructive.

“This will enable us come up with recommendations that will improve governance in the state,” Adeosun said.

Mr Hycinth Oteh, Chief of Staff to the State Governor, presented a report on the development of the state since its creation in 1996.

He said that government ensured that emphasis was placed on the development of areas of backwardness such as health, education and infrastructure.