Gov. Peter Mbah of Enugu State says it is difficult to have development without security, saying that his administration identified the security challenge in Enugu and tackled it headlong.
Mbah said this when the new General Officer Commanding (GOC) 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, Enugu, Maj.-Gen. Oluyemi Olatoye paid him a courtesy visit to the Government House, Enugu on Tuesday.
While disclosing that Enugu State Government and Nigerian Army had a robust, fruitful and productive relationship, Mbah said, “It is absolutely difficult to talk of development without security”
He said his administration made commitment to grow the state economy exponentially and eradicate poverty, explaining that the idea would remain in vain if there was no security.
“That is why in early hours of our administration, we identified security challenges as the biggest elephant in the room and we are in a hurry to chase that elephant out of the room.
“We would not have attained relative peaceful and secured environment we have in Enugu today without the support and unwavering commitment and devotion to duty by your men,” he told Olatoye.
He assured the army leadership in Enugu that the state would continue to support the military by providing them all the necessary logistics to bring criminality to an end.
“We have zero tolerance to criminality and this is demonstrated given the level of investment we made in security.
“Given to your good experiences in operations, I have no doubt in my mind that this relationship will be enhanced under your watch,” Mbah said.
Earlier, Olatoye, who is also the Commander, Joint Taskforce South-East “Operation Udoka”, said it was his responsibility in the region as well as Cross River State to upscale peaceful environment for socio-economic activities.
He said, “I am aware of the situation before now and what it is currently. What I know is that it can always get better.
“I will collaborate with you to take Enugu State to a greater height. The outcome of our discussions we will work towards achieving them.
“Anytime, you are free to call on me, as I have no time limitation when it comes to military duties. You can call any time and on any issue or whatever assistance you want from the military.
“We look forward to a fruitful collaboration and better Enugu State,” he pledged.
