Sanwo-Olu pledges support for Army operations in Lagos

The Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu has commended the Nigerian Army for committing to the rules of engagement and professionalism in its peace mission across the country.

He also pledged support for the army in its discharge of security operations in the state.

Sanwo-Olu gave the commendation when he received the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, during a courtesy visit at Lagos House, Marina, on Monday.

This was contained in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Gboyega Akosile, on Monday.

According to the Governor, the Army had continued to live up to the expectation of their roles as provided by the constitution, stressing that the sacrifices made by soldiers to keep the territorial integrity and peace of the country will not go unappreciated.

Lagbaja was in Lagos for the clearance of Unexploded Ordinance at the 9 Brigade Military Cantonment, Ikeja.

Sanwo-Olu noted that the Army has earned the citizens’ confidence and respect as a member of the nation’s armed forces, given its sense of commitment, dedication and patriotism.

He stated, “We are grateful to the Army and its men for their dedication to the country at this difficult time in different parts of the country. You have continued to uphold the Constitution, maintain high integrity and stick to the best rules of engagement to protect the sovereignty of our country. The Army is well respected by the citizens, given the commitment, dedication and sense of patriotism in discharging its statutory roles.

“The 2002 Ikeja bomb explosion was a trying moment for the Army, given the magnitude of the damage. But the event never weakened the resolve of the military. The Army has continued to live up to their responsibilities provided by the constitution and the sacrifice paid by soldiers to keep the territorial integrity and peace of our country would not go unappreciated. Lagos State Government is committed to ensuring that the Army gets all the necessary support for your security operations.”

Speaking further, Sanwo-Olu assured the Army chief that his administration would rebuild a military primary school in Orile demolished for the construction of the Lagos-Badagry Expressway. He sought the cooperation of the military personnel in restoring sanity to the Lagos-Badagry corridor, where he said the state government had been clearing illegal shanties built along the expressway.

He seized the opportunity to also appeal for cooperation among military personnel in the ongoing enforcement across Lagos, including Okada ban enforcement. He noted that the ongoing enforcements were geared towards restoring sanity to the state and preserving public assets.

He said, “We have a collective responsibility to keep Lagos safe for commercial activities. It is important to acknowledge the complementary effort of the 9 Brigade of the Nigerian Army in supporting our security architecture in Lagos, with OP Mesa operatives working with the police to ensure our safety. That synergy among all security agencies is all that is required to maintain security.”

Lagbaja seized the occasion to express his appreciation for the “tremendous support” the people and state government accorded the Army units and formations.

He also noted that his visit was to inform the governor about the Army’s activities to be conducted in Lagos, noting that the exercises were designed to further entrench the peace and stability enjoyed in Lagos.