Operation Python Dance not against Igbos – Anambra State Government
The Anambra State Government has denied that the military exercise tagged: ‘Operation Python Dance’ was designed to inconvenience the Igbos or targeted against any group or organizations,
The State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Ogbuefi Tony Nnachetta lamented that the exercise by the Nigerian Army has been misrepresented as a terrible Christmas gift to Anambra people.
Nnachetta in a press statement in Awka Thursday December 8 2016, regretted that Governor Obiano’s statement on the exercise has been distorted by malicious persons on the social media.
Governor Obiano while receiving the Chief of Armybn Staff Lt. Gen Tugur Brutai had empatically stated that the Army operation was not targetted against Anambra people.
Nnacheta in the statement said the exercise was a routine military exercise by the Nigeria army in the South-East, not only in Anambra state, saying that similar exercises have taken place in other geographical zones without incidents or controversy in the Niger Delta and North West in recent weeks.
The statement reads in part, “The ongoing exercise python dance by the Nigeria army in the southeast has been mis presented by some persons as an exercise designed to inconvenience the Igbo and in particular Ndi Anambra.
“It is incorrect for some persons to suggest that Anambra state is at war or loggerheads with any sect, persons or organizations on account of the ongoing military training exercise…. Rather the officers and men of the Nigeria army are enjoined to discharged their duties with courtesy, thereby earning the respect of our people in the entire southeast.
“We are informed that an elaborate Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) Line of operation has been planned during the exercise… activities such as medical outreach, repairs of roads, schools and other infrastructure across the south east region.
“Restoring peace and order in our state and ensure that Anambra state did become a failed state marked by lawlessness was a cardinal and early task of the Willlie Obiano administration. The state government worked closely with the security agencies to achieve the sustained success in the Anambra environment”.
He added that Anambra government would at all times ensure that the rights and comfort of the people which are non negotiable are respected by all and sundry.
Nnachetta who insisted that Anambra is today the safest state in Nigeria recalled that thirty three months ago, kidnappers and other violent criminals almost overran the state, forcing businesses and families to relocate to places like Lagos and Abuja.
