RIVERS: Withdraw soldiers from politicians, Wike tells Attahiru

GOVERNOR Nyesom Wike has urged the the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Ibrahim Attahiru, to withdraw soldiers from politicians.

The governor said attaching soldiers to politicians has made them become common sight and this has consequently stripped them of the fear the masses used to associated with their presence in the past.

He also said soldiers has no business in the corridors of power as this makes them lose sight of their constitutional duties which is basically defending the territorial integrity of the country.

Wike said this today when he received Attahiru who led the General Officer Commanding the Six Division in Port Harcourt, Major General Sani Mohammed, to the Government House in Port Harcourt.

“The country is facing a lot of insecurity now. So, withdraw these soldiers from politicians so that the soldiers can go and do their work,” the Governor said.

“In those days when you see a soldier, you run. These days, it is difficult because soldiers have been exposed to politics.

“I want you to make a difference to say that what your interest is to protect Nigerians, fight bandits, insurgency and not to carry ballot boxes.”

Wike lamented the role played by the army in the 2019 election in the state.

“It was a big shame, what happened in 2019 in this State. I am sure you must have watched it on television. I am sure you must have watched where the 6 Division turned to INEC office with ballot papers everywhere,” he said.