Gov Ahmed urges Army not to interfere in politics

From Olanrewaju Lawal, Ilorin

The Kwara State Governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed, has charged the military to insulate itself from political manipulation and resist temptation to descend into the political arena, saying this is capable of truncating the country’s nascent democracy.

The Governor gave the advice during a courtesy visit of participants of Course 23 of the National Defence College, Abuja, on Geo – Strategic Study tour of Kwara State at the Government House, Ilorin.

Governor Ahmed said, “Let me commend the Nigerian military for its appreciable role in nation building, especially by protecting Nigeria from external aggression and internal unrest. While it is true that the country is going through very difficult times, especially in parts of the country caught in the grip of insurgency, the military must continue to live up to its reputation as one of Africa’s best”.

He added that it was incumbent on all Nigerians to support the officers and men of the armed forces for keeping the country and its people safe.

Speaking on the theme of the Geo-Strategic Tour, “Socio-Economic Development through Urban Renewal in Kwara State”, Governor Ahmed said, “Our urban renewal programmes are geared towards ensuring that our roads are motorable, making portable water available within 500 metres radius for all residents, guaranteeing healthcare and beautifying the environment.

The leader of the National Defence College team, Commodore Aliyu Baba Lawal, said the team’s pre visit study showed that Kwara State had comparative advantages in many sectors over other states under study.

Commodore Lawal, who said the tour was a significant part of the 11 month course, commended Kwara State Government on the Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Development Assistance Committee awards in Paris, France, for its Community Health Insurance Scheme.