By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
Muhammadu Buhari has repeated his pitch for national unity, a week after he came under fire from domestic and foreign agitation for his lukewarm response to soldiers killing youths protesting against police brutality at Lekki toll gate in Lagos.
The president appealed to Nigerians to desist from actions and comments that could jeopardise unity and progress when he launched in Abuja on Wednesday the 2021 Armed Forces Remembrance Day (AFRD) Emblem and Appeal Fund.
He said this year’s occasion reminds Nigerians of the need to guard jealously the unity of the nation won at great cost.
‘‘Nigeria’s strength lies in her diversity,’’ he said in honour of the memory of fallen heroes and veterans who made sacrifices during the First and Second World Wars, the Nigerian Civil War and Peace Support Operations around the world.
He paid tribute to the men and women engaged in internal security operations, particularly in the fight against insurgency, terrorism and armed banditry, praising their steadfastness in restoring peace and security amid the coronavirus pandemic.
His words: ”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.”
Buhari expressed delight at the return of normalcy in parts of the North West and North Central.
”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.
Buhari reiterated that his administration will continue to forge alliances with the international community to defeat security threats in West African the sub-region and promised to provide resources for the Armed Forces.
He promised that, under his watch, the Armed Forces will operate with the best modern warfare equipment, with welfare 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.’’
Buhari also reassured Nigerians of government’s commitment to creating an environment in which all citizens and foreigners are guaranteed freedom and returns on investments.
He urged businesses to render discounts and rebates to men and women in uniform as a symbol of appreciation for their sacrifices, as ‘‘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, Buhari acknowledged that the cost of fighting against insecurity is the unavoidable loss of lives.
”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.
He urged all Nigerians “to spare a thought for them and take positive steps to come to their aid” and commended charity organisations for bringing succour to the families of fallen heroes and veterans.
He expressed delight that the Nigerian Legion, of which he is the grand patron, continues to be a rallying point for veterans, catering for the welfare of 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.”
Buhari urged governors, who are patrons of the Legion in their states, as well as Nigerians in general to support and participate in the Legion’s initiatives in transportation, agriculture, and housing.
He implored Nigerians and others resident 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.
He announced a donation of N10 million to the Nigerian Legion and pleaded with everyone else “to donate generously in support of our veterans and dependents of our fallen heroes.”
Defence Minister Bashir Magashi also urged civil society, religious and political leaders, the academia as well as the media to educate the public to recognise and appreciate the sacrifices of compatriots in uniform.
Adakole Akpa, Nigerian Legion Chairman, expressed gratitude to Buahri for his support for the ex-servicemen, particularly in ensuring prompt payment of pension.
”God is with Nigeria. We should sing the Nigerian song as nobody will sing it for us,” he said.