Nigerian Army will continue to patronise made-in-Aba goods, especially uniforms and boots, Tukur Yusuf Buratai, a lieutenant general and chief of army staff, says.
Buratai, who gave the assurance during a courtesy visit to Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu at the Government House, Umuahia, said the military had directed its suppliers to emphasise on made in Nigeria, stressing that the patronage was motivated by the governor’s letter he received months ago.
Recall that the military recently ordered 50,000 pairs of booths from the Aba finished leather cluster.
He thanked the governor for the excellent relationship existing between the army and the good people of Abia State.
The army boss said he was in Abia to assess the progress of the “operation python dance,” which the military launched to mark her end of the year training activities.
He also assured his host and the people of Abia State that “Operation Python Dance” was “a peaceful engagement that builds synergy between the army and other security agencies.”
The army chief emphasised that the army was not out to intimidate or harass anybody, stressing that Nigerian Army and other security agencies belong to the Nigerian people, and promised that the army would not intimidate law abiding citizens, as the security of law abiding Nigerians was the primary concern of the army.
Burutai, who is visiting the state for the first time since his appointment as the chief of army staff, said the Nigerian Army had succeeded in maintaining peace in the country as well as defending Nigerian territories against external aggression.
Responding, Governor Ikpeazu thanked the military for their support to his administration’s push to boost patronage of made in Aba products, and observed that the leadership of the army under Buratai had performed well in internal security operations, especially in the volatile North-East region of the country.
Ikpeazu also told his guest that he believed his visit to Abia would further boost the confidence of soldiers and other residents of Abia State, but however cautioned Nigerians to respect one another, regardless of the position they find themselves.
The high point of the courtesy visit was the donation of two new Hilux vehicles to the army chief by the governor, which he handed over to Lawrence Fejokwu, a brigadier general, and commander, 14 Brigade, Ohafia, Abia State, who assured that the vehicles would be utilised for the benefit of the good people of Abia State.
