War of Terror/Python Dance 2: Army Chief, Buratai to Brainstorm on ‘Strategies’ with Field Commanders, PSOs in 2nd & 3rd Quarter Conference; As Senate is set to meet with security chiefs over tension in South East.

Against the backdrop of its several special operations in the country aimed at tackling the myriads of security challenges confronting the country especially Boko Haram and agitations for the dismemberment of Nigeria, Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Tukur Buratai will on Monday brainstorm with his Commanders at various level on new strategies to remain on top of the security challenges.

Towards this end, Principal Staff Officers, Corps and Formation Commanders, General Officers Commanding, and selected senior officers from the Defence Headquarters are to converge in Abuja on Monday for ‘COAS Second/Third Quarter Conference 2017’.

A statement by the Director of Army Public relations confirming the meeting said the Chief of Army Staff second and third Quarters conference 2017, will take place at the Army headquarters Officers Mess, Abuja from 17 to 20 September 2017

“The conference will afford participants to appraise training and operational activities of the Nigerian Army during the second and third quarters of 2017.

“It will also enable the Nigerian Army the opportunity to make projections for the four quarter.

“Other activities scheduled during the conference will include presentations on training and operations, administration, logistics and other Nigerian Army events as captured in the forecast of events for 2017.

“During the conference, far reaching decisions that would affect the service would be taken. Principal Staff Officers, Corps/Formation Commanders, Commandants of Army and Corps Schools are expected to attend.

“Selected officers from Defence headquarters and other Defence Institutions are expected to also attend”.

Meanwhile, the President of the Senate, Dr. Bukola Saraki has hinted that the upper chamber of the national assembly would soon meet with Service Chiefs to deliberate of the take-off of Operation Python Dance in the South East which is generating lots of tension in the country.

Saraki said, “Once again, I plead with our people to avoid taking laws into their hands or antagonizing our neighbours”.

The Senate President said the Senate would meet with security chiefs to chart a path for resolution of contentious issues engendering tension in the South-East.

He disclosed that the meeting, expected to hold shortly, would address the tension in the South-East and the skirmishes in Plateau.

In a statement on Sunday in Abuja, Saraki noted that security agencies, political and religious leaders must work for the promotion of dialogue as means for tackling agitations, to ensure peace in the country.

Signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu, Saraki urged all Nigerians to maintain peace and avoid statements or actions capable of aggravating the tension in parts of the country.

He added that the crises in the country were not unconnected to the economic challenges being faced by citizens.

His words, “The tension in some parts of the country has its roots substantially in the economic situation.

“The nation should be assured that some of the legislative and executive actions taken to address the economic problems are beginning to yield fruits.

“This is why we recently witnessed the rebound of the economy and the exit of the country from recession”.

He called for calm among the people, especially in the South-East and Plateau, saying that the government required the cooperation of everyone in solving all problems.

“I want to appeal to our people to avoid stoking ethnic or religious fires. We should not deepen the fault lines of our nation and place citizens in danger of violence and sustained crises.

“The government requires the support of all Nigerians and we should please give peace a chance. No real development or genuine economic activity can take place in the midst of crisis or tension.

“Investments and development thrive only where there is peace,” Saraki said.

 “All leaders at this point must canvass support for government and preach peace, love and harmony.

“Once again, I plead with our people to avoid taking laws into their hands or antagonizing our neighbours,” Saraki added.

END