Amechi Flays Attacks On Security Officers

Rivers State Governor, Chibuike Amaechi, has called on Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch and other human rights groups to prevail on arms-bearing civilians to stop killing security operatives on duty as it would be unfair for them to cry foul when the security agencies launch reprisal attacks on civilians who are unauthorized to carry guns.

Governor Amaechi made the call yesterday during the commissioning of the 2nd Brigade Officers’ Mess of the Nigerian Army, Bori Camp, Port Harcourt.

Represented by his deputy, Engr. Tele Ikuru, the State Chief Executive said that the peace enjoyed in the State today was a product of effort of the security forces who gave themselves as stakeholders and partners of the State.

He condemned the religious sects and militants committing these crimes on soldiers defending their fatherland, saying, it would be unfair for the non-governmental organisations to talk of extra-judicial killings when soldiers launch reprisal attacks on them.

Governor Amaechi described as fruitful, the partnership existing between the State Government and the military forces in the state, pledging to sustain the relationship.

In his speech, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. O.A. Ihejirika thanked Governor Amaechi for his efforts at ensuring the completion of the Officers’ Mess and his magnanimity in constructing standard building projects for primary schools in the Barracks.

Lt. Gen. Ihejirika used the occasion to approve the construction of other sections of the Mess and purchase of a complete set of the band squad of the Brigade.

Earlier, the Commanding Officer 2nd Brigade, Brigadier General T. Y. Buratai explained that the initiation of Mess in the 18th century had engendered fraternisation of military officers with each other, noting that the existence of this in the barracks had continued the fraternity till today.

He said that messes in the Barracks, as ‘meeting’ points for officers, had fostered cohesion among them, increased educational experience for younger officers and spurred them to lean on the vision of the Chief of Army Staff. While appealing to the State Government to complete the project, he equally urged the government to also assist the Brigade in providing furniture, messing and gym equipment, central broadcasting system and 50KVA Generator of the Mess.