President Muhammadu Buhari on
Wednesday said all hands must be on deck to ensure that Boko Haram insurgents
are completely defeated.
Buhari said Nigerians and
security agents must team up with his government to stop the degraded Boko
Haram insurgents from attacking soft targets in the Northeast.
He made the appeal during the
launching of the 2020 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Emblem and Appeal funds.
According to Buhari: “The nation
is appreciative of the gallantry and sacrifices of Officers and Men of our
Armed Forces in the campaign against insurgency and other Internal Security
Operations.
“This has led to the return of
normalcy in affected parts of the nation. The Boko Haram terrorists have been
substantially defeated and degraded to the extent that they are only daring
soft targets.
“However, all hands must be on
deck to check the attacks on soft targets, mostly innocent Nigerians. The peace
and security of Nigeria is non-negotiable and the security agencies must
continue to do their work diligently.
“As a government, we will
continue to provide necessary logistical support to ensure that our Armed
Forces operate with the best modern warfare equipment, while at the same time
adequately addressing the issues of their welfare.”
The statement reads: “I heartily
welcome you all to the formal launch of the 2020 Armed Forces Remembrance Day
Celebration Emblem and Appeal Fund. Today, we are once again gathered to
acknowledge and commend the sacrifices of our fallen heroes and veterans of
First and Second World Wars, Nigerian Civil War and Peace Support Operations
around the world.
“We must not forget those
currently engaged in Internal Security Operations, particularly the on-going
war against insurgency in some parts of the country. It is indeed befitting to
honour the memory of the gallant officers and men who paid the supreme
sacrifice to keep the country united. For those who survived with varying
degrees of incapacitation, they require our attention and care and we will
continue to provide and cater for them.
“The Armed Forces Remembrance Day
Celebration was intentionally fixed for 15th of January, annually, to
commemorate the end of our civil war. It reminds us of the need to guard
jealously the unity of our country which was won at a great cost.
“This day calls to mind the
negative impact of strife and conflicts and demands that as responsible
citizens, we must at all times avoid actions that emphasize our differences.
There is no doubt that the strength of Nigeria lies in her diversity. It
behoves us, therefore, to engage in activities and endeavours that feed our
diversity as a source of strength not weakness.
“The nation is appreciative of
the gallantry and sacrifices of Officers and Men of our Armed Forces in the
campaign against insurgency and other Internal Security Operations. This has
led to the return of normalcy in affected parts of the nation. The Boko Haram
terrorists have been substantially defeated and degraded to the extent that
they are only daring soft targets.
“However, all hands must be on
deck to check the attacks on soft targets, mostly innocent Nigerians. The peace
and security of Nigeria is non-negotiable and the security agencies must
continue to do their work diligently. As a government, we will continue to
provide necessary logistical support to ensure that our Armed Forces operate
with the best modern warfare equipment, while at the same time adequately
addressing the issues of their welfare.
“Likewise, government will remain
steadfast in developing our alliances with neighbours and friends in the
international community for the total defeat of the insurgents. The task of
resettling and rehabilitating our citizens as well as the reconstruction of
territories affected by the war will continue to be one of the priorities of
this Administration.
“We shall not rest until all our
displaced persons are safely resettled into their communities without fear of
further attacks. It is for this reason that the North East Development
Commission and Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management
and Social Development were established. The Executive Arm of Government hereby
commends the National Assembly for the passage of the Bill establishing the
Commission.
“It is our hope that with prudent
management of limited resources and support from well-meaning Nigerians and
Corporate bodies, the Commission working in close collaboration with the
Ministry and friends abroad will be able to deliver on their mandate.
“We are aware that it is the
business of Government to provide the enabling environment for businesses to
thrive. We will not fail to provide our citizens with an atmosphere that is
devoid of security threats and criminality, where life is stable and progress
is certain.
“Government is also well aware
that an insecure environment stifles businesses and undermines growth and
prosperity. For this reason, we will like to commend and reinforce our
gratitude to our men and women in the Armed Forces who have risen to the
challenge of securing our nation and providing enabling environment for
national progress.
“It is on this note that we
acknowledge and commend the rising trend, where business concerns offer
discounted services to our men and women in the Armed Forces in appreciation of
their selfless sacrifices to the fatherland. We commend these laudable
initiatives and urge more of our business concerns to do likewise. Such
gestures would no doubt encourage them in defence of our country and its
people.
“The unfortunate cost of the war
against insurgency and other Internal Security Operations is the loss of lives
of some of our officers and men in the Armed Forces. These very sad occurrences
create deep wounds to loved ones. It is, therefore, our duty to ensure that the
loss of these breadwinners does not relegate the spouses and dependents to a
life of want and deprivation. Government will do all in its powers to look
after the bereaved.
“Service leaders must take urgent
steps to settle the entitlements of these affected citizens as well as the
welfare packages designed for their dependants. It is the responsibility of
government to ensure that the families of our fallen heroes do not suffer the
loss of their loved ones and at the same time be deprived of their due
benefits.
“To ensure that our veterans
continue to share the comradeship that existed while in Service and adequately
cater for their welfare at the exit, the Federal Government established the
Nigerian Legion. It is delightful to note that the Legion is carrying out
initiatives in transportation, agriculture, housing and other ventures in
partnership with the private sector.
“I am happy to note that the
Legion has continued to be a rallying point of veterans and has done its part
in catering for the welfare of their ailing members. I enjoin the leadership of
the Legion to continue in this spirit. I also urge Nigerians to accord them the
needed support, friendship and patronage.
“As the Grand Patron of the
Nigerian Legion, I wish to pledge my continued support and that of the Federal
Government to the organisation. My appreciation goes to the State Governors who
are patrons in their respective States for the support they are providing to
the Legion.
“Government agencies at the
Federal and State levels should continue to patronise services of Nigerian
Legion Corps of Commissionaires in the provision of security services. The
potentials of our ex-servicemen are enormous and the economy can tap into this
for national development.
“As I launch the emblem shortly,
I wish to call on all Nigerians and others resident in Nigeria to procure and
wear the emblems with pride to identify with those who laid down their lives
for the peace and security of our fatherland. I encourage all to donate
generously in support of our veterans and dependants of fallen heroes.
“Esteemed veterans, ladies and
gentlemen, it is now my honour and privilege to launch the 2020 Armed Forces
Remembrance Day Celebration Emblem and Appeal Fund.”
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