President Muhammadu Buhari, Wednesday, directed service chiefs to take urgent steps to settle the entitlements of soldiers who have paid the supreme price in the campaign against insurgency.
Buhari, who gave the directive while launching the 2020 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration Emblem and Appeal Fund in Abuja, also told the service chiefs to settle the welfare packages of the soldiers for the benefit of their dependents.
Speaking at the brief ceremony that took place at the Council Chamber, Presidential Villa, before the commencement of the weekly Federal Executive Council, FEC, meeting, the President reiterated that the unity of Nigeria was not negotiable.
He said: “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 bread winners 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 dependents.
”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.”
President Buhari, who launched the emblem on behalf of the Federal Government with N10 million, said: ” 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.”
On why the Federal Government fixed January 15 as the Armed Forces Remembrance Day, he explained: “The Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration was intentionally fixed for January 15 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.
“Similarly, 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 the North East Development Commission, NEDC, 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 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 same. Such gestures would no doubt encourage them in defence of our country and its people.”
He said to ensure that the veterans continued to share the comradeship that existed while in service and adequately cater for their welfare at 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,” the President said.
He enjoined the leadership of the Legion to continue in that spirit and also urged Nigerians to accord them the needed support, friendship and patronage.
He said: “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 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 the 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.”
