The Osun state governor, Ademola Adeleke, has commended the Chief of Army Staff, General Taoheed Lagbaja, for his urgent intervention during the Ifon-Ilobu communal clash last week.
A statement by the spokesperson to the governor, Olawale Rasheed, stated that Adeleke gave the commendation while receiving Lagbaja at his country home, Ede, Thursday.
The statement said Adeleke praised the Nigerian military for shunning anti-democratic acts, describing democracy as a necessity for all societies.
He condemned democratic setbacks in some parts of Africa and called for the strengthening of democratic correction mechanisms instead of a coup d’etat.
The governor described the Nigerian military as a thorough-bred professional service that upholds respect for the national constitution while serving as a protector of the democratic process as well as national stability.
The statement added that the governor inaugurated the civil-military school project at Alusekere, Ede, his hometown.
“Our existence as a nation that is united despite challenges is linked to the patriotism and sacrifice of the military. When the civil population is sharply divided, the military remains united. On many occasions, the military saved our nation from disintegration.
“Your reaching out to the civil population as a policy is a giant step to further unite the nation. I commend this civil-military rapport,” Adeleke said.
The Chief of Army Staff said he was in the state in continuation of his nationwide visit to army formations in the country, adding that he was at the governor’s residence to pay homage.
