Onuminya Innocent in Sokoto
Sokoto State Governor, Dr. Ahmed Aliyu yesterday assured the people that security of lives and property remained the top agenda of his administration.
He said his government would give maximum support to all security agencies in the state to perform their duties in safeguarding the state.
Aliyu made this disclosure in his remark during a grand reception organised by the state government in honour of the immediate past Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Farouk Yahaya.
He extolled the former army chief for his brilliant and successful military career, saying he was destined for the top echelons of his military career because God wanted him to get there.
He commended the Nigerian Army for containing the security challenges bedevilling the country.
“We are here to celebrate with one of our own, the finest army general, on this reception organised by the Sokoto State Government to welcome our dear General back home.
“The beauty about this celebration is that your people are honouring you, because you had a brilliant military career and you made us proud,” he added
He noted that the former army chief rose to the top echelons of military career by the grace of God, and not by his own strength.
“Yahaya is someone that has the passion to serve. He is committed and very focused in all he does.
“On behalf of the government and people of Sokoto State, I congratulate you for an illustrious career in the military and as we welcome you back home.
In his remarks, the chairman of the event and former Sokoto State, Senator Aliyu Wamakko said Yahaya did a lot for the peace and security of the country.
Wamakko said: “I thank God that our people have deemed it necessary by organising this befitting reception for you. You are worthy of it all because we know what you did for our country, Nigeria.
“You served with heart and might, the true wording of our national anthem and you have kept faith with this nation and you have made each and everyone of us proud,” he said.
The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher G Musa; former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai; Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Taoreed Lagbaja; Major General Victor Ezeogu, Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar and others commended Yahaya for his outstanding service to the nation, especially in managing the war against terror and insurgency.
In his remarks, Yahaya thanked the Sokoto State government for the honour done to him and his family, adding that he would remain grateful to the Nigerian military for the opportunity to serve the nation.
He appreciated the efforts of the governor in supporting the Nigerian Army to enable them to carry out their duties.
