As part of plans to ensure maximum security in the country, the Governor of Niger State, Dr. Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu, on Thursday said financial autonomy be given to the Nigerian Army and other forces for the procurement of arms and ammunition.
Aliyu said the autonomy, which will translate to availability of funds, will stop the poor equipping of the force.
He said after attending and laying wreath at the 123 Military cenotaphs as part of activities marking this year’s Armed Forces Remembrance Day in Minna that the country can run into problems if they are not well taken care of.
According to him: “The military should be placed on first line charge in the disbursement of money from the Federation Account.
“All this call for financial autonomy should also affect the military.
“Nigeria is the largest and most black populous nation, which requires a very strong and well equipped army.
“The country should adequately take care of its officers and men because when they are not well taken care of and equipped, the country can run into problems.
“Government at all levels must come to terms that the armed forces is a very important institution in the country.
“We should show reverence to those who one way or the other have sacrificed their lives for the unity of the country.”
Aliyu however commended the gallantry of officers and men of the armed forces in peace keeping operations across the globe and the fighting of insurgency in some parts of the country.
Also, the Chairman of the Nigerian Legion in the state, Musa Ibrahim Kutigi, called on the Federal Government to come to the aid of retired officers and men in the country.
Kutigi said the government should look at the challenges of the retired men by mobilising them, especially in paying their arrears.
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