I ‘ve Been Saved Twice from imminent death by Nigerian Army , says Governor Makinde

Segun Showunmi in Ibadan

The Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde, on Saturday disclosed that he was twice saved by military from imminent death, while in struggle for political position in the country, stating  that he would forever remained grateful to the establishment.

Penpushing reports that, Makinde made the disclosure at a reception organised in his honour by the General Officer Commanding, (GOC), 2 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Anthony Bamidele Omozoje, held  at the Tiger’s Den, Adekunle Fajuyi Cantonment, Odogbo, Ibadan.

“I have been saved twice from imminent death by the officers of this Division; I want to also specially thank the officers for the good work that they are doing to keep us safe and secure. To some people, it may be something new but to me, it is not’. he said.

“The first experience was in 2007 when I was contesting to go to the Senate. On the day of election, my house was invaded by mobile policemen but I was rescued by the officers and was taken to Mokola Barracks where I stayed throughout the election. I did not even vote on the day of election, but I was happy that I came back unhurt due to the efforts of the officers of this 2 Division.

“Also, in 2015 when I was contesting to be the governor of this state, I was going to campaign in front of the family house of my opponent. Violence erupted but the officers of this division took charge and I was rescued unhurt. So, if I fast-track that to Operation Burst, I am glad to say that anytime we have them going out for an operation, we sleep peacefully because we know they will do the necessary things.”

 Penpushing further reports that, the Governor commended the Nigerian Army for being organised and disciplined in their duties, noting that these two attributes of the army are similar to those of engineering, the profession he belongs.

“I tried to join the Nigerian Army because of two basic things; the organisation and the discipline. When it didn’t work out, I decided to be an engineer. There is similarity between the organisation and discipline of the army and that of the engineering profession.”

Penpushing also reports that, Makinde stated that his administration would continue to provide social amenities for the well-being of all and sundry in the state, adding that he has approved the renovation of the school in the barracks.

The Governor expressed appreciation to the military for its dedication to the peace and security of Oyo State, adding that his administration would continue to maintain cordial relationship with the officers and men of the Nigerian Army in order to keep the state safe and secure.

Penpushing reports that, he also promised to extend the second phase of Light-Up Oyo State Project to the barracks, adding that, “the last time I was at the WASA event, I spoke about two major things; the dilapidated school in the barracks and the Light-Up Oyo State Project. Because you have been selfless in taking the wellbeing of the people of the state as top priority, I have given the approval for the renovation of the school.

“I also said that the second phase of the Light-Up project will not continue until we include Odogbo Barracks in it. In the next two or three weeks, we should approve the second phase, which we will make sure that it extends to the barracks.”

The General Officer Commands, 2 Division  Nigerian Army, Major-General Omozoje, earlier in his speech thanked the Governor for his continuous support for the division while also conveying the goodwill message of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen Tukur Yusufu Buratai to him.