Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has called on Nigerian military authorities and other security outfits to institute a reward system as a means of further advancing the fight against insecurity in the country.
Nwifuru maintained that establishing incentives and other rewards for officers and personnel who excel in their peace and security duties would boost their morale and strengthen their resolve to defeat insurgents and other criminal elements threatening the nation’s sovereignty.
The governor made the request on Monday when he received in his office students of the Senior Course 47 of the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji, led by Commodore Abdulhakeem Olushina Ojebode.
Advocating for a state indigenous policing system as essential for effective security, especially at the grassroots level, Governor Nwifuru stated that Ebonyi, beyond politics and sentiment, was one of the most peaceful and secure states in Nigeria. He added that the state, under his leadership, had adopted a more kinetic approach to security by leveraging local content.
He said: “Instituting a reward system for gallant security personnel will further strengthen the security architecture in Nigeria because it will enhance commitment and boost the morale of personnel.
“A rewarding system can help the security of this country grow because if you send me to confront dangerous criminals with sophisticated weapons, it means putting my life on the line.
“At the end of the day, there should be something significant to show that I am appreciated, and that my dependents can be sustained if the mission goes awry.”;
He added, “Reward systems work wonders everywhere, and we need to integrate that into our security architecture in this country.”;
Appreciating Nigeria’s security forces for their efforts in managing the current security challenges, Nwifuru cautioned certain separatist groups against using violence as a means of agitation and reconciliation.
Stating their mission, Ojebode explained that they were in Ebonyi to conduct an environmental study tour of the state as part of their course requirements.
Commenting on the theme of their study, “Harnessing grassroots intelligence for internal security,”; Ojebode stated that the students gained valuable insight due to the visible efforts of the state government in driving internal security.
Ojebode, also the Director of the Department of Maritime Warfare at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, expressed appreciation for the hospitality extended to the students, describing it as a symbol of the governor’s compassion and love for the people.
Among the team members was an Ebonyi indigene, Lieutenant Commander C. N. Nwuzor, as well as foreign students from The Gambia, Ghana, Botswana, and Togo.
The students will also visit eight other states namely Abia, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Delta, Imo, Kebbi, Kwara, and Rivers.
