President Bola Tinubu yesterday promised to intensify the anti-terror war and safeguard the safety of Nigerians at all times.
He promised to curtail the threats to national security within the shortest time, urging the armed forces and other security agencies to remain resolute.
The President spoke at the grand finale of the Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) 2023, with the theme: “Sound Administration as Panacea for Effective Military Operations”. The event was held at the Major Genral Inienger Sports Complex, Adekunle Fajuyi Cantonment, Ibadan, Oyo State.
The Chief of Army Staff, Major-General Taoreed Lagbaja, pledged the Army’s support for democratic governance.
The President, who was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, assured of the Nigeria Army and the entire Armed Forces of his unfettered commitment to their welfare, adding that he is aware of the issue of inadequate equipment, insufficient funding and other constraints to operational efficiency.
Tinubu said,
“The Nigerian Army has remained one of the strongest forces of support to Nigerian citizenry as we forge ahead to advance our democratic values to achieve a united, peaceful and prosperous nation.
“We must admonish that our strength lies in our diversity and so we must build on the ethnic and tribal bonds that have been nurtured by our forefathers while shunning all actions capable of dividing our nation.
“I’m particularly happy to note that despite the Nigerian Army’s involvement in the governance of our dear nation in the past, it has since 1999 supported the change from military to civilian rule and has remained a highly professional force with high standing both regionally and internationally.
“It is on record that the joint effort of the Nigerian Army, other services and security agencies is responsible for degrading the dreaded Boko Haram terrorist sect. This commendable act has also been replicated in ongoing efforts to decimate bandits, secessionist and other criminal elements trying to disrupt the peace and stability of the nation.
“It is pertinent to mention at this point that the laudable achievements recorded by the Nigerian Army has cost them manpower and other resources. Several gallant officers and soldiers have lost their lives while several others have sustained various degrees of injuries including case of permanent disabilities.
“I take this opportunity to once again express my heartfelt condolences to the families of those personnel who paid the supreme price in the course of safeguarding the sovereignty and unity of our great nation.
“I implore all personnel of the Nigerian Army to remain resolute and be reminded that their sacrifices shall never be in vain”.
Tinubu added,
“As a responsible government, we are conscious of the security concerns of the citizenry and as such, I wish to reassure you of our resolve to defeat all threats to national security within the shortest possible time.
“Let me at this point reiterate that my administration will continue to do everything within its constitutional powers to ensure the safety of law abiding citizens as well as the unity of our country. To the members of the Nigeria Army and the entire armed forces, I assure you of unfettered commitment to your welfare. I am aware of the issues of inadequate equipment and insufficient fundings among other factors constraining your operational efficiency.
“The Federal Government under my leadership, has instituted a fair mechanism that will comprehensively address these shortfalls consistent with established national security objectives”.
Major-General Lagbaja declared the Army’s unflinching support to democratic governance in the country.
Dignitaries at the event include the Chief of Defence Staff, Major-General Christopher, Governors Seyi Makinde (Oyo), who was represented by his deputy, Bayo Lawal, and Abdulrazak Abdulrahman (Kwara), who is the Chairman, Nigerian Governors Forum; Senate President Godswill Akpabio, House of Representative Speaker Tajudeen Abass, Ooni of Ife Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Olubadan of Ibadanland Oba Lekan Balogun and Deji of Akure Oba Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi.
