Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State has called on the Federal Government to pay greater attention to the welfare of Nigerian soldiers on active service and families of fallen soldiers.
Bello made this call while on a condolence visit to the immediate family of the late Lt. Col Muhammad Abu Ali in Kaduna on Sunday, 20th November.
He was accompanied by the Speaker of Kogi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Imam Umar, where they both met with the widow of the deceased, Mrs Samira Abu Ali, and the three children.
Gov. Bello, while acknowledging the improvement in the welfare of soldiers, which has resulted in the increased morale of the rank and file and a decimation of insurgency in the North East, asked that military men and women be treated with respect and dignity as they continue to sacrifice their all for our peace and unity.
“We must give honour to whom it is due and our soldiers deserve the best of everything,” Gov. Bello said.
“They give up their comfort, happiness and families just to keep the rest of us safe. They must be encouraged and I call on the Federal Government to make their welfare and that of the families of the soldiers that we lose top priority.
“No member of a soldier’s family should suffer financially when we they die.”
Lt. Col Muhammad Abu Ali was killed by Boko Haram insurgents on November 4 at Mallam Fatori in Borno State. He was 36 years old. Nigeria and Nigerians mourned him.
Gov. Bello was on a 2-week vacation when this unfortunate incident occurred.
In a condolence message released by his Chief Press Secretary, Gov. Bello described the late officer as one of modern Nigeria’s finest officers, who gave his all in service to his country paying the supreme price in the process.
To this end, a high powered state delegation led by the Speaker of the State House of Assembly was at the national funeral held in honour of the fallen officer and some of his colleagues.
On his return to Kogi State, the Governor paid a condolence visit on Brigadier General Abu Ali, the late soldier’s father, in his palace at Bassa-Nge.
While in Kaduna, Gov. Bello said the Kogi State Government will not only immortalise the late Lt. Col Muhammad Abu Ali but will also take the responsibility for the education of his three children up to university level.
To the officers and men of the Nigeria Armed Forces who are in danger zones, Gov. Bello said he appreciates their work. He is optimistic that given the commitment of President Muhammadu Buhari to ending insurgency in Nigeria, Boko Haram threat will soon be a thing of the past.
He therefore urged them to not lose hope adding that Nigerians acknowledge and appreciate their sacrifices and all they do for Nigeria.
