The TEKAN/ECWA bloc of the Christian Association of Nigeria has called on the Army Headquarters to relieve the GOC of 3rd Division of the Nigerian Army who doubles as Commander of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) Major General, Ibrahim Salau Ali, of his responsibility for the way the recent impasse in Plateau State which led to the death of several people was handled.
Even as the 3rd Armoured Division of the Nigerian Army said the call for the removal of the GOC Major General Ali was a campaign of calumny.
Addressing newsmen in Jos, the Chairman of the block, Reverend Moses Ebuga who said the commander has not lived up to expectation wondered why the military formation close to the scene of recent killings in the Bassa local government area could not intervene to arrest the situation when the killings were ranging in the area.
“The military barrack being and situated in the self-same Bassa local government and within a few kilometres radius lie under attacks for long hours and days without any response and protection from the Army.
“This leaves much to be desired any reasonable man would have expected then that Irigwe Chiefdom would have enjoyed more protection and security presence by their proximity and neighbourliness.
“As a result of this spate of insecurity, we have lost confidence in his ability to handle the security situation in Plateau State and therefore call on the Nigeria Army Headquarters to relieve him of this responsibility forthwith and strongly advise that no one officer should again be made to hold this dual responsibility.”
In a swift response to the call for the removal of the GOC, the Acting Deputy Army Public Relations Major Eli Lazarus in a statement said the command was not unmindful of the determination of some merchants of crisis to perpetuate unrest in Jos metropolis and its environs.
“They are also bent on ensuring that the GOC and Commander OPSH does not continue with his mandate of ensuring sustainable peace in the state.
“The call for the removal of the GOC did not come to us as a surprise as the campaign of calumny against the person of the GOC started shortly after he assumed command. Those series of attacks were indeed precursors to this latest call for his removal.”
The statement pointed out that the challenges initially recorded have been surmounted by more deployments, robust mobile patrols and increased presence of security personnel adding that the command has also increased its engagements with critical stakeholders and citizens to build confidence and keep the channels of communication open.
“To allege that Maj Gen Isa Ali has not lived to expectation in managing the dual responsibility of GOC and Commander Operation SAFE HAVEN is false.
“Suffice to say that Plateau State is one of the 5 states under the 3 Division area of responsibility and they have been well managed. Moreso, military officers are deployed for appointments based on their competence, training, experience and capabilities.
“Additionally, the GOC is under oath to discharge his duties professionally and not to please individuals for their gains.
“The erroneous mention of the GOC’s initials as MS Ali is also indicative of the fact that the group does not even know the person of the GOC and Commander Operation Safe Haven.”
It, therefore, urged the TEKAN/ECWA bloc of CAN to encourage its members to cooperate with the security agencies as they strive to restore peace and security in the state and not to resort to self-help by taking the laws into their hands.
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