The Chief of Army staff, Lt Gen Tukur Yusuf Burutai, has assured the Governor of Abia State that the Nigerian military will continue to patronise made in Aba materials, including uniforms and boots.

General Buratai gave the assurance when he led a delegation of High ranking military officers on a courtesy visit to Governor Okezie Ikpeazu at the Government house, Umuahia.

According to him, the military has directed their suppliers to emphasize on made in Nigeria, stressing that the patronage was motivated by the Governor's letter he received months ago.

He thanked the Governor for the excellent relationship existing between the Army and the good people of Abia State.

The army boss said that he is in Abia to assess the progress of the Exercise Python Dance which the Military launched to mark her end of the year training activities.

He also assured his host and the people of Abia State that Exercise Python Dance is a peaceful engagement that builds synergy between the army and other security agencies.

The army chief emphasised that the army is not out to intimidate or harass anybody, stressing that Nigerian army and other security services belong to the Nigerian people, and promised that the army will not intimidate law abiding citizen, adding that the security of law abiding Nigerians is the primary concern of the army.

General Burutai, who is visiting the state for the first time since his appointment, stated that the Nigerian Army has succeeded in maintaining peace in the country as well as defending Nigerian territories against external aggression.

Responding, Governor Ikpeazu thanked the military for their support to his administration’s push to boost patronage of made in Aba products. He observed that the Leadership of the army under Buratai, has performed well in internal security operations, especially in the volatile north east region of the country.

The Governor also told his guest that he believes his visit to Abia will further boost the morale of soldiers and other residents of the state.

Ikpeazu further cautioned Nigerians to respect one another regardless of the position they find themselves.

The high point of the courtesy visit was the donation of two new Hilux vehicles to the Military Chief by the Governor, which was eventually handed over to Brig. Gen. Lawrence Fejokwu of the 14 brigade barrack at Ohafia, Abia State, by the Chief of Army Staff Lt Gen. Buratai. Fejokwu assured that the vehicles would be utilised for the benefit of good people of Abia.

•Photo shows Governor Ikpeazu with Gen. Buratai.

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