Kayode Sesan
President Muhammadu Buhari declared on Monday that Nigeria will remain one, indivisible entity. This is coming in the face of the latest pro-Biafra protests and insurgency rocking some parts of the country.
According to him, for the fact that the country had witnessed a lot of internal strife and a civil war since independence and has remained united was proof of the people’s resolve to remain one.
The president who stated this during the launch of the 2016 Armed Forces Remembrance Day emblem and appeal fund at the presidential villa, Abuja, also announced a donation of N10 million to formally launch the 2016 emblem
Buhari said he was proud that he was addressing the gathering in honour of those who devoted their lives to the service of the country and the world in general, adding that since independence, Nigeria had witnessed a lot of internal strife, survived a civil war but has remained united.
“Today’s occasion reminds us of the need to appreciate the noble contributions of our fallen heroes who paid the supreme sacrifice to maintain national and international peace and security. Our nation has recently celebrated 55 years of political independence and continues to remain as one indivisible entity despite several grievous challenges.
“This feat achieved by the country is an eloquent testimony to the determination of our citizens to remain as one people. The sacrifices of our fallen heroes, heroines and veterans who rose up to the security challenges cannot go unnoticed.”
Hailing the courage and sacrifices of men and women of the armed forces in grappling with the wave of terrorism, oil theft and piracy in some parts of the country, he noted that they had displayed unalloyed loyalty and commitment to Nigeria.
“In their arduous task to keep Nigeria safe and united, some of these gallant officers and men lost their lives. To them, we pay special tribute and pray for the repose of their souls.
“Fellow countrymen and women, consider the situation and conditions under which they died or suffered physical incapacitation. It behoves on us who are living beneficiaries of their sacrifice to contribute towards the welfare and sustenance of their dependants. Our modest effort will go a long way to demonstrate our depth of gratitude and ameliorate their present condition.”
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