Nigerian Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has reminded Nigerians that they owe the fallen heroes, both serving and retired military personnel, honour and respect.
Akpabio stated this in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Hon Eseme Eyiboh that commemorated this year’s Armed Forces Remembrance Day in Abuja.
He noted that the sacrifices made by members of the Armed Forces to keep Nigeria one and in peace should be acknowledged and accorded due honour and respect by every Nigerian.
“Nigerians owe their fallen heroes, serving and retired military personnel absolute honour, respect and in fact, a debt of gratitude because it is not a fluke for people to offer their lives in defense of their countrymen and women to live in peace and harmony.
“I sincerely salute their sacrifices, which sometimes go unnoticed and unappreciated. By laying their lives for our sake, those who died in the line of duty are our fallen heroes and must be honoured at all times. For those who are in the trenches fighting day and night, and those who have retired, we will continue to give them their due honour and respect.
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“The military have been partners in the progress of defending the territorial integrity of the nation, maintaining peace and sustaining our cherished democracy. This is commendable,” the Senate President noted.
Akpabio assured that the National Assembly under his chairmanship will continue to give priority and undiluted attention to the welfare of the members of the Armed Forces commensurate with their unwavering commitment and patriotism to the nation.
He pledged support of the legislature to the executive in repositioning and rejigging the security architecture in line with current security challenges.
The Senate President commended families of military personnel, both dead and living, for sharing in the sacrifices and pains their bread winners go through in the course of serving the nation.
We Won’t Compromise Nigeria’s Unity – Akpabio
Senate President Godswill Akpabio has said the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration is focused on ensuring that Nigeria remains an inseparable and indivisible entity.
He stated this in his remarks at the Interdenominational Church Service for the 2024 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration held at the National Christian Centre, Abuja, Sunday.
Akpabio, who held that the continued existence of the country lies in its rich cultural, religious and ethnic diversity, called on the people to embrace unity, stressing the resolve of the present administration to redouble its efforts in securing the country.
The No. 3 citizen paid glowing tributes to members of the armed forces who fell in the quest to make Nigeria remain one, stressing that their labour would never be in vain.
Akpabio also asked the Christendom and other stakeholders in the Nigerian project to join hands with the Tinubu government as well as the nation‘s armed forces to tackle the issues that have threatened the co-existence of the country.
He said, “The unity of Nigeria came at a great price. The sustenance and defence of this unity rests on the shoulders of the men and women of the Armed Forces, and the true weight of loss is carried by the families and dependents of these fallen heroes. If only we could share the pain they feel, then we would truly understand the imperative of eschewing insecurity and violence in all its forms.
“The year 2023 was an eventful one, marked by general elections and a change in leadership. Our nation is still grappling with the effects of long-overdue multi-sectoral reforms needed to propel us forward and position Nigeria among the great nations of the world. I urge for support to the government of His Excellency President Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, during this crucial time as we strive to achieve the Nigeria of our dreams. In this regard, I reiterate the President‘s assurance that ‘our tough times will not last,’ and we should renew our hope in a great Nigeria.
“Now is the time for all stakeholders to set aside our differences, regardless of religion, ethnicity, or political affiliations, and come together to strategize on the way forward for this great nation that our gallant men and women of the Armed Forces paid, and continue to pay, the ultimate price to preserve. It is also a time for sober reflection, to take stock of past events such as the civil war, and to reflect on current challenges like the war on insurgency, incessant attacks on innocent Nigerians, the spate of kidnappings across the country. We must reflect on their causes and work together to prevent future occurrences”
Akpabio called upon the church to partner with the government in a much-needed rebranding of Nigeria, saying the church is urged to continue to spread the gospel of love for oneself, others, and the country. “We must blur the lines that divide us across ethnic and religious boundaries through messages of tolerance, peace, unity, and progress.
‘‘This administration is more determined than ever to strengthen and promote the oneness and indivisibility of Nigeria because the strength of our great nation lies in our diversity.
‘‘Once again, let us salute the courage and appreciate the sacrifices of our men and women of the Armed Forces. Let us stand in solidarity with the families of our fallen heroes and heroines. I assure you that the government will continue to evolve policies to address the challenges you face as a result of your loss,” he said.
‘‘The inclusion of veterans, their dependents, and caregivers into the Social Welfare Register through the Ministry of Defence is a commendable initiative of the current administration. The President, Commander-in-Chief of our Armed Forces is committed to implementing welfare programmes within the services for the families of deceased personnel while making continuous efforts to address any remaining gaps,“ the Senate President added.
