President Muhammadu Buhari Wednesday in Abuja appealed to
Nigerians to desist from actions and comments that could jeopardise the unity
and progress of the nation.
Launching the 2021 Armed Forces Remembrance Day (AFRD)
Emblem and Appeal Fund, President Buhari said this year’s occasion reminds
Nigerians of the need to guard jealously the unity of the nation which was won
at great cost.
The President, who stressed that ‘‘Nigeria’s strength lies
in her diversity’’, honoured the memory of the nation’s fallen heroes and
veterans, recounting their sacrifices during the First and Second World Wars,
the Nigerian Civil War and Peace Support Operations around the world.
President Buhari also paid tribute to men and women currently engaged in internal security operations, particularly the ongoing fight against insurgency, terrorism and armed banditry in some parts of the country.
He praised them for remaining steadfast in the difficult
task of restoring peace and security despite the coronavirus pandemic.
”We honour the memory of our gallant officers and men who
have paid the supreme sacrifice in order to keep the country united as one
entity.
”The nation remains grateful for the efforts and sacrifice
of the Armed Forces especially in the fight against insurgency and other
internal security challenges confronting Nigeria.
”The Armed Forces Remembrance Day or Veterans Day as it is
known in some parts of the world is an important event observed in
commemoration of the end of the Second World War.
”In Commonwealth member countries, the Remembrance Day is
observed on 11th November yearly.
However, for us the date was changed to 15th January
annually to accommodate the commemoration of the end of the Nigerian Civil
War,’’ he said.
On security operations in the North West and North Central zones in the country, President Buhari expressed delight at the return of normalcy in some of the areas that previously witnessed security challenges.
”Our dear nation has witnessed numerous security challenges
since independence.
”These security threats have undermined Nigeria in the areas
of trade, investment and economy, education, health as well as agriculture and
frequently denied Nigerians the freedom of movement.
”I am however pleased to state that a lot has been achieved
in the Internal Security operations in the North West and North Central zones
where in addition to Operations LAFIYA DOLE, HADARIN DAJI, HARBIN KUNAMA, WHIRL
STROKE, other operations such as ACCORD, SAHEL SANITY and KATSINA were
successfully launched.
”This has led to the return of normalcy in some of the
affected areas. However, all hands must be on deck to check attacks on soft
targets, ” he said.
The President, who restated that his administration will
continue to forge useful alliances with neighbours and friends in the
international community for the total defeat of the security threats affecting
the sub-region, promised to ensure timely provision of adequate resources and necessary
logistics support for the Armed Forces.
President Buhari further pledged that under his watch the
Nigeria Armed Forces will operate with the best modern warfare equipment, with
welfare issues receiving utmost attention.
”We are quite aware that it is our responsibility to provide
a conducive environment that is devoid of security threats.
”I want to re-assure Nigerians that security being one of
the pillars of this administration will continue to be at the forefront until
peace and security are restored in the country,’’ he said.
The President also used the occasion to reassure Nigerians
of his administration’s commitment to creating an environment in which all
citizens and foreigners are guaranteed freedom and returns on investments.
He, therefore, urged business enterprises to render
discounts and rebates to men and women in uniform as a symbol of appreciation
for their sacrifices, saying ‘‘this kind gesture will make life easier for them
and deepen their patriotism’’.
On support for families of members of the Armed Forces who
died in active service, President Buhari acknowledged that the unfortunate cost
of the fight against insurgency and other internal security challenges was the unavoidable
loss of lives of some gallant compatriots.
”The reality is that the spouses and defendants of these
bread-winners in most cases experience trauma and deprivation. However, we can
be of support to them to lighten their burdens especially in light of the
COVID-19 Pandemic.
”I therefore call on all to spare a thought for them and
take positive steps to come to their aid,” he said, commending charity
organisations engaged in the noble cause of bringing succour to the families of
fallen heroes and veterans.
Speaking as the Grand Patron of the Nigerian Legion, the
President expressed delighted that the Nigerian legion has continued to be a
rallying point of veterans, doing a lot in catering for the welfare of ailing
members
”To ensure that our veterans continue to share the
comradeship that existed while in Service and that their welfare is adequately
catered for, the Federal Government established the Nigerian Legion as well as
fully paid all pension arrears of veterans,” he said.
He urged State Governors, who are patrons of Legions in
their respective States, as well as Nigerians, to continue to support and
participate in the Legion’s initiatives in the areas of transportation,
agriculture and housing development.
The President called on Nigerians and other residents in the
country to procure and wear the emblems with pride in order to identify with
those who laid down their lives for the peace and security of the county.
”I encourage all to donate generously in support of our
veterans and dependents of our fallen heroes,” he said.
President Buhari announced a donation of N10 million to the
Nigerian Legion.
Minister of Defence, Major General Bashir Magashi (Rtd) called
on members of the civil society, religious and political leaders, the academia
as well as the media to educate and enlighten Nigerians on the need to
recognise and appreciate the sacrifices of gallant compatriots in uniform.
He also encouraged Nigerians to procure and wear the emblem
to boost the morale of serving personnel.
Chairman Nigerian Legion, Brigadier General Adakole Jones
Akpa (Rtd), thanked President Buahri for his unrelenting support to the
ex-servicemen, particularly in ensuring the prompt payment of pensions.
Akpa, who also recognized the presence and support of Vice
President Yemi Osinbajo, Senate President Ahmed Lawan, Speaker Femi
Gbajabiamila, members of the Diplomatic Corps and the Service Chiefs, to the
Nigerian Legion, said despite the challenges facing the country:
”God is with Nigeria. We should sing the Nigerian song as
nobody will sing it for us. ”
During the emblem launch ceremony, the Chairman Nigerian
Legion decorated President Buhari and Vice President Osinbajo with the 2021
AFRD emblem.
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@MBuhari should be telling us what he intends to do help the precarious welfare conditions of the men and women of the armed forces. Stop soliciting for alms from private businesses on the military behalf. What @MBuhari is doing is stupid and shows lack of responsibility. If security is one of the pillars of this SARs State-Aided Robbery Squad headed by @MBuhari you must admit that you have failed everybody including yourself.
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