Kebbi  to Incorporate Ex-Servicemen into State’s Security Architecture

Onuminya Innocent

The Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, has said he will incorporate ex-servicemen into the security architecture of the state towards ensuring lasting peace in the state.

The governor made this known at the launch and sales of the remembrance emblem to mark the commencement of this year’s Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration in Birnin Kebbi last Friday.

He said: “The state government will continue to involve ex-servicemen in the security architecture of the state, including membership of the state security committee.

“Let me use this medium to emphasise that the Special Adviser on Security to the Government is a retired military officer.”

In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Ahmed Idris, said the governor, represented by the Deputy Governor, Umar Abubakar-Tafida, acknowledged that it was apt to show respect to the fallen heroes and remember those gallant officers of the Armed Forces who sacrificed their lives to keep Nigeria and the world at peace.

While commending officers and men of the military and other security agencies currently engaged in combat against insurgency, banditry and other forms of criminality, the governor observed that the occasion called for sober reflection.

Governor Idris pledged continued support to the legion to cater for ex-servicemen and their families and donated N20 million to the state chapter of Nigerian Legion to mark the Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration.

The governor also announced allocation of Hajj seat to the legion for this year’s pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia, and promised to look into the issue of land allocation for the construction of secretariat for the ex-servicemen.

Introducing the commencement of the emblem appeal week, the state Head of Service, Alhaji Sufyanu Garba-Bena, said this had been an annual event from January 12 to 15 every year to commemorate the country’s compatriots and honour the living veterans of the military.

Earlier, the Chairman, Kebbi State chapter of the Nigerian Legion, Sergeant Garba Hassan-Suru (rtd), affirmed support and loyalty of ex-servicemen to the administration of Governor Idris

He commended the governor for his fatherly care to members of the legion and their families, appealing, however, for assistance from the government for the completion of the headquarters of the legion and Hajj seat as obtained last year.

The highlight of the occasion was the donation of N20 million to the legion by the state government, while commissioners made a donation of N1 million with similar amount from the 21 local government area chairmen.