From Okwe Obi, Abuja
The North East Women for Peace Forum has described as ‘unwarranted’ a write-up against the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen Lucky Irabor, in the fight against insurgency.
The group’s Convener, Hajiya Bilikisu Goni, in a statement on Wednesday, noted that Tayo Oke, author of the piece was wrong to have called Irabor a ‘meddlesome general’, adding that it was merely an attempt to tarnish the image of the CDS
While arguing that it was ingenious for the writer to compare Nigeria and the United States of America, Goni challenged him to visit the North East to see how military personnel are taking down bandits.
“As beneficiaries of ongoing military operations in the Northeast, we, members of the North East Women for Peace Forum, are in a better position to reply what we feel is a deliberate attempt to misinform Nigerians.
“Before asking Oke some questions, we plead with him to find out what leaders, politicians and the people, especially women that are gradually returning to their means of livelihood are saying about ongoing military operations in the region and the present leadership of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
“He seems to be angry that the military is dominating the airwaves. Does he want the enemies of the country or those benefitting from the security challenges to dominate?
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“Or is the zeal with which the CDS is eager for Nigeria to return to normalcy infuriating enemies of the country?
“Which Nigerian is not zealous at this time, and eager for the security challenges to end, talk more of the Head of the entire military?
“Is Tayo Oke aware that life is gradually returning to normal in the North East? Is he aware of the gradual return of the Chibok girls?
“Has Dr. Oke enquired why there is mass surrender of insurgents and their family members?
“Is Tayo Oke aware that the synergy which the present CDS is championing is yielding positive results despite the challenges? Has he ever seen sincere collaboration amongst the services as it is in the present dispensation?
“We feel he should do an analysis of what was, and is now obtained in the running of the military.
“We are very sure Dr Oke will be at the forefront of asking questions if the military is not seen on the streets supporting ongoing operations to deal with the security challenges.
“The North East Women for Peace Forum is confused about what the writer wants. We are very sure no well meaning political leader will refer to the CDS as a meddlesome general.
“If Dr. Oke will sincerely answer our questions, he will discover that his entire write up was indeed unwarranted, untimely and illogical,” she said.