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Obasanjo Flays Clashes Among Armed Forces Personnel

Daily Champion (Lagos)
NEWS
January 31, 2006
Posted to the web January 31, 2006

By Florence Udoh And Lukkey Abawuru
Lagos
PRESIDENT Olusegun Obasanjo yesterday condemned the frequent bloody clashes
among members of the armed forces, saying this did not augur well for the
security, peace and socio-economic well-being of the nation.
He said this just as the victims and relatives of the deceased in last year's
Ojuelegba Lagos clash between soldiers and policemen yesteday asked government
for compensation for the agony inflicted on them as a result of the incident.
Obasanjo who specifically expressed concern over the bloody skirmishes between
the police and the army personnel, advised them to work together in peace and
shun bloody confrontations with each other.
Speaking at the Second Presidential Retreat for all seucirty agencies held at
the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA). Victoria Island, Lagos,
the president who was represented by his National Security Adviser, Gen. Aliu
Gusau Mohammaed said: "Improving relationships among the personnel of your
various organisations is a must and not a matter of choice."
"This is especially important at a time when this administration has
successfully portrayed Nigeria as an investor's haven; at a time when the
country is trying to institutionalise democratic and economic reforms; at a
time we are trying to convince investors that the security of their person and
investment is assured."
He noted that the first Presidential Retreat for all security agencies held
last year in Port Harcourt, Rivers State capital went a long way in creating
the awareness needed for members of the Armed Forces, military, police, Navy,
Airforce, Customs and Immigrations and all others, to work as a team.
He commended the planning/organizing committee for choosing the apt theme:
"Improving Relationships Amongs the Armed Forces, the police and other security
agencies" saying that "we all must work towards putting an end to the incessant
and unnecessary clashes between members of the Armed Forces."
Obasanjo commended the governments of the Western Zone, particularly Lagos
State Governor, Senator Bola Tinubu, for funding and supporting the retreat/
workshop saying, "what we started in the Port Harcourt Retreat to check these
unwarranted acts of recklessness, will surely yield fruits and the peace will
be sustainable."
Also speaking at the retreat, Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Alexandra Ogomudia
noted that the occasion provided a great opportunity "for us to come together
and resolve these problems which lead to the constant inter-service clashes
which if you don't realize, is an embarrassment to the nation."
"I am very delighted that the leadership of the various agencies have been able
to identify the problems and are willing to come together to find lasting
solutions," he stated.
It would be recalled that one of such violent clashes among the armed forces
occurred last September at Ojuelegba, Surulere, Lagos leaving many people dead
and others severely wounded. The bloody clash was between the Army and police
personnel.

   

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