Agbese Wants Tinubu To Confer GCON On Security Chiefs

Deputy Spokesman of the House of Representatives, Philip Agbese, has urged President Bola Tinubu to confer the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) on Nigeria’s top military leadership, citing recent security successes in Oyo and Borno states.

Agbese, who represents Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency of Benue State and is the Labour Party leader in the state, made the appeal at the State of Affairs gathering with security experts, professionals and promoters in Abuja.

He said the successful rescue of pupils and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State and the foiling of an attempted mass abduction of students in Monguno, Borno State reflected the growing effectiveness of the country’s security architecture.

The lawmaker said the Chief of Defence Staff, the Chief of Army Staff and other senior military officers deserved national recognition for their leadership in the fight against insecurity.

Agbese noted that troops of Operation HADIN KAI, working with personnel of the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies, repelled suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters who attempted to attack the Federal Government Girls College in Monguno, preventing the abduction of 46 students who were later evacuated to Kinnasara Barracks.

He also commended security agencies for securing the release of pupils and teachers abducted from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State on May 15 after 56 days in captivity through what officials described as an intelligence-led operation.

According to him, the two operations demonstrated growing operational efficiency by the armed forces and other security agencies, warranting national recognition for the military leadership.

He stressed that recognising outstanding service within the armed forces would not only boost the morale of personnel but also reinforce public confidence in the nation’s security institutions.

“As a member of the opposition, I believe in giving credit where it is due. Honouring our security chiefs with GCON will boost morale and signal that excellence in protecting Nigerians transcends partisan lines,” he said.

Agbese further urged the Federal Government to sustain investment in military hardware, intelligence gathering and the welfare of security personnel to consolidate recent gains in the fight against insecurity.

“Mr President, let this be the beginning of greater collaboration. Nigerian parents and students deserve nothing less than absolute safety in their schools and communities.

“The heroes who delivered these results must be celebrated. GCON for our security leadership is a fitting tribute to their service and sacrifice,” he added.

The GCON is Nigeria’s second-highest national honour, traditionally conferred on individuals who have made exceptional contributions to national development and public service.

Oduyemi Odumade, Edited By Grace Namiji