The Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse the 111, has called for rededication, Increased patriotism and professionalism amongst Nigerian leaders as well as all cadres of the Armed Forces and other security agencies with a view to combating insecurity and all forms of criminality in the country .
He made the call when members of the #Prayer and Support for Nigerian Armed Forces and other Security Agencies during a courtesy visit on him by , in his palace, Thursday.
The monarch who commended the group for the initiative , described it as a move in the right direction for an all inclusive buy -in, towards addressing insecurity.
He however, advised all security agencies to ensure that present situation did to get out of proportion, in order to avoid crisis.
Accordingly to his him, "there is need for a strong sense of professionalism, patriotism devoid of biases, favouritism, tribalism and openess, to honest counsels among our leaders and security agencies.
"Sincerity of purpose among our security agencies is very important. I am confident that with their trainings they are up to the task.
On our part, we will continue to assist with the needed information to assist our security agencies in intelligence gathering to combat insecurity, oil theft and vandalism." Olu of Warri stated.
In her remark, Convener of the group, Mrs Mary Abayomi-Fatile implored the Olu of Warri, to prevail on youths within his domain to end all forms of vandalism, kidnapping and crude oil theft.
She said , " we need to cooperate with our security agencies to achieve the desired results.
"We believe so much in our traditional rulers and their influences and positive impacts on their subject's, hence, the essence of this courtesy visit. With the cooperation of our youths and community leaders, insecurity will be a thing of the past."
She explained that the group had taken its advocacy to communities, churches and mosques across the country , adding that it was organising a two-day event in Lagos with the theme; "Security in Nigeria and Civilians Participation", to drive home its agenda of Nigerians participation in the security of the country.
"We need more sensitisation of Nigerians on the enormous efforts of the Military and paramilitary, in the fight against insurgency, kidnapping and armed banditry among other acts of criminality bedeviling our country", Fatile stated
She also called for the support of the Olu of Warri in the group's effort at changing the wrong perception of some members of the public about the military and other security agencies who she said put their lives on the line to ensure a safe society for all.
In addition, she called on the teeming youths to collaborate with the Nigerian armed forces and other security agencies to see an end to insecurity in Nigeria, saying the Armed Forces and other security agencies could not fight the battle alone.
Fatile explained that the advocacy group made up of some senior journalists,, actors and actresses, was established in March, 2021, to seek support of stakeholders among who are traditional rulers , with a view to galvanising community support for the Armed Forces and other security agencies, "because we believe there's an urgent need to engage and mobilise Nigerians for special prayers and support for our gallant soldiers."
Describing the Olu if Warri as the voice of the Niger Delta, she reiterated the need for him to talk to the youths to collaborate with the Nigerian Navy to put an end to Crude oil theft, illegal refineries and other forms of illegalities in the nation's territorial waters and the gulf of Guinea..
She said ,"We have noted the challenges as well as the successes recorded by the Military in the ongoing fight against insurgents, kidnappings crude oil theft , illegal refineries and banditry across the country."
" So, saying negative things about our armed forces and other security agencies will not help the situation in the country, we need to come together to conquer these security challenges.
"Some of them have not seen their families for close to a year. We are here in our comfort zones while some of them are in the bush come rain or shine. So, they our prayers and support , if we must remain in our comfort zones.
We must defend the nation and pray for the betterment of Nigeria because security is everyone's business."
"There is tension already in the nation, let's be conscious of the things we say and pass round
"As a group, we believe that with God, everything is possible. Everyone must remain security-conscious", she said.