Press Releases

Fashola Implores The Military To See Themselves As Role Moulders And Builders

Feb 16, 2009 - Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola (SAN) on Monday charged members of the armed forces to see themselves as role moulders and builders in the society with their activities when in uniform.

Governor Fashola spoke while receiving the General Officer Commanding the 81 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major General Eugene Nwaguma and the Air Officer Commanding the Tactical Air Command, Air Vice Marshall Jimmy Usoro who paid separate courtesy calls on him at the New Lagos House, Ikeja.

Governor Fashola emphasized that man has a very strong affinity with uniforms and especially those that bear the insignia of state as it is a clear demonstration of which side of the divide one belongs to.

He said when it is used for positive purpose; it has a trickledown effect on members of the public and can suggest that certain conducts are very permissible because people in authority are engaging in it.

Governor Fashola added that men of force are very strong mirror through which society sees life and are very critical in nation hood and nation building.

Said he: “The uniforms you wear are the symbols of the authorities of the state, they carry critical insignia and colours that represent the executive authorities of the state, if you use that authority for positive purpose, it has a very strong trickledown effect on the populace. If used for uncomplimentary activities, it also has its way of suggesting that certain conduct which are not permissible are permissible, because people in authority are doing it,”

He explained that the people that the armed forces serve are greater than the institutions which the forces represent.

The Governor also advised the officers and men of the Nigerian Armed Forces to operate within the provisions of the country’s constitution that all owe allegiance to.

The Governor added that there is a need for all arms and agencies to work in an atmosphere of mutual respect and recognition of each other’s limits and authority and other rules of engagements.

The Governor also commended the critical role that the armed forces play in Nigeria as the propagating arm of the nation’s foreign policy and the preservation of territorial integrity of the republic.

Governor Fashola said the state continues to receive support of the armed forces in several places like the Operation Messa (Op-Messa) , adding that there are some rough edges which will soon be smoothened.

While commending the Air Force chief for the support which the state is receiving, Governor Fashola added that there is room for improvement and understanding as well as demonstration of tolerance and restraint in terms of the relationship existing between the armed forces and the members of the public.

He added that the state intends to sustain the level of cordial relationship existing between the state and the armed forces adding that the armed forces in every country represent the propagator of its foreign policy objective.

He expressed delight that the Air Force chief who was raised in Lagos is coming back home, stressing that it could be very exciting for a man who was raised in a location to return there to serve because he is very familiar with the terrain.

Governor Fashola pledged that there is a point beyond excellence which Lagos is going to, adding “the state believes that it can get there irrespective of what those who do not believe in us say or do”.

While placing in context the contribution of the members of the armed forces to the maintenance of peace and security in Lagos, Governor Fashola said they have contributed to the relative peace and security which is being enjoyed in Lagos now.

While speaking earlier, the General Officer Commanding the 81 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major General Eugene Nwaguma, said the courtesy call was to formally inform Governor Fashola that he had assumed office as the new GOC.

He described Governor Fashola as a formidable ally and partner in the execution of the responsibility of giving aids to civil authority.

He added: “the background to my being here is the execution of the national defence policy which is embedded in national military strategy and the deployment of 81 division to Lagos is in line with that policy and strategy covering Lagos state and a part of Ogun state”.

Also speaking, the Air Officer Commanding the Tactical Air Command, Vice Marshall Jimmy Usoro, commended the transformation taking place under Governor Fashola in the state, promising to cooperate with the state Government to ensure that the transformation is realized in the security sector.