.Best tribute to fallen heroes is sustained airstrikes against terrorists – CAS
.FG poised to strengthen Nigeria’s unity – Akpabio
The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, on Sunday urged troops to remain resolute in defeating insecurity and ensuring enduring peace in the nation.
Musa made the call in Abuja in his goodwill message to the armed forces on the occasion of the 2024 Armed Forces Remembrance Day.
He said the event held annually to commemorate the unwavering commitment and heroism of servicemen and women in various military operations.
He added that the commemoration held great significance as it provided the opportunity to reflect on the sacrifices, bravery and commitment of fallen heroes in defending the territorial integrity of the country.
“As we reflect on the gains achieved so far, I charge you to remain resolute in defeating security threats to ensure enduring peace in every part of our dear nation.
“I will continue to prioritise your welfare while steering the affairs of the armed forces in line with my leadership philosophy.
“The philosophy is to nurture professional armed forces that are people-centric and capable of meeting constitutional responsibilities in a joint and collaborative environment.
“I urge you to continue to remain vigilant and uncompromising in the discharge of your constitutional responsibilities,’’ he said.
Musa said living and fallen heroes should be remembered by paying collective tribute to them for their everyday sacrifices as they gave their today for our tomorrow.
“On this special occasion, let me also honour and acknowledge the immeasurable contributions of our gallant officers and men both serving and retired.
“Your selfless dedication to service in protecting our nation’s freedom and security has resulted in the relative peace which we enjoy today.
“I assure of my unrelenting support as you continue to uphold our values of respect for the rule of law, professionalism, and loyalty to constituted authority, discipline, selfless service and courage.
“For those who have suffered one form of injury or the other, we appreciate you and we will continue to pray for your quick recovery.
“Similarly, for those who have passed on, we thank you for your great sacrifices.
“Always remember that all your efforts and steadfast devotion in the defence of our democracy and national unity in line with our constitutional roles will never be in vain,’’ Musa stressed.
He thanked President Bola Tinubu for his numerous and timely support for the armed forces.
He assured the president of loyalty and commitment of the military in defending the nation’s democratic values whilst ensuring peace and cohesion.
Musa also appreciated families, particularly spouses of military personnel for their roles in keeping the home front whenever duty beckoned on their husbands.
.Best tribute to fallen heroes is sustained airstrikes against terrorists – CAS
Also, Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, says the best way to pay tribute to the nation’s fallen heroes is to sustain joint offensives against non-state actors.
Abubakar said this on Sunday in Abuja in his tribute to the Armed Forces of Nigeria in commemoration of the 2024 Armed Forces Remembrance Day.
He said there was the need for sustained joint air, ground and maritime strikes against terrorists, insurgents and economic saboteurs in paying tribute to those who paid the supreme price in the defence of Nigeria.
Abubakar commended Air Component Commanders of the various joint theatres of operation for the series of successful air strikes undertaken since the beginning of 2024.
He said that as recent as Saturday, air interdiction strikes by the “Operation Hadin Kai’’ at Tumbunma Baba near Lake Chad was successful in eliminating terrorists and destroying their vehicles and structures.
The Chief of Air Staff noted that Nigeria could never repay fallen heroes for their efforts at restoring peace and tranquillity, stressing that the efforts must be sustained to return the country to its peaceful past.
“We have no excuse not to deliver on our mandate as the President Bola Tinubu-led Federal Government has provided the wherewithal for us to succeed.
“We must, therefore, continue to sustain the momentum of our operations and give our citizens the confidence they require to go about their businesses without fear,” he said.
Abubakar called on Nigerians to continue to offer gratitude, goodwill, solidarity and unrelenting prayers for fallen heroes and their families.
He said Nigeria should accord fallen patriots the honour and credit they deserved and reassure those still in service that the country would neither forget their sacrifices nor forsake them in their hours of need.
.FG poised to strengthen Nigeria’s unity – Akpabio
Similarly, the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio has said that the President Ahmed Tinubu- -led government at the centre, 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 Rememberance Day Celebration held at the National Christian Centre, Abuja, on 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 number one lawmaker, 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 sustenancey 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 multisectoral 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”.
According to Akpabio, “I call upon the church to partner with the government in a much-needed rebranding of Nigeria. The church is urged to continue spreading the gospel of love for oneself, others, and our 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.
“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 programs within the services for the families of deceased personnel while making continuous efforts to address any remaining gaps,” the Senate President stressed further.
