Army won’t abandon Aba-made materials, says Buratai

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt General Tukur Yusuf Burutail, has assured the Governor of Abia State, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, that the Nigeria military will continue to patronise made in Aba materials, including uniforms and boots.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Comrade Enyinnaya Appolos, said  the CoAS gave the assurance in Umuahia, when he led a delegation of top echelon of the military class on a courtesy visit to Ikpeazu at the Government House.

According to him, the military has directed their suppliers to emphasize on made in Nigeria, stressing that the patronage was motivated by the Governor’s letter he received months ago.

He thanked the Governor for the excellent relationship existing between the Army and the good people of Abia State.

The army boss said that he was in Abia to assess the progress of the “operation python dance” which was inaugurated by the military to mark her end of the year training activities.

He also assured his host and the people of Abia State that “Operation Python Dance” is a peaceful engagement that builds synergy between the army and other security agencies.

The army chief emphasized that the Army is not out to intimidate or harass anybody, stressing that Nigerian army and other security services belong to the Nigerian people, and promised that the army will  not intimidate law abiding citizen, adding that  the security of law abiding Nigerians is the primary concern of the army.

Burutai who is visiting the state for the first time since his appointment stated that the Nigerian Army has succeeded in maintaining peace in the country as well as defending Nigerian territories against external aggression.

In his response, Ikpeazu thanked the military for their support to his administration’s push to boost patronage of made in Aba products.  He observed that the Leadership of the Army under Lt General Buratai, has performed well in internal security operations, especially in the volatile north east region of the country.

Ikpeazu also told his guest that he believes his visit to Abia will further boost the morale of soldiers and other residents of Abia state.

Governor Ikpeazu further cautioned Nigerians to respect one another regardless of the position they find themselves.

The high point of the courtesy visit was the donation of 2 new Hilux vehicles to the Military Chief by the Governor, which was eventually handed over to Brig. Gen. Lawrence Fejokwu of the 14 brigade barrack at Ohafia, Abia State by the Chief of Army Staff Lt Gen. Buratai.  Brigadier General Fejokwu assured that the vehicles will be utilized for the benefit of good people of Abia.