LAGOS JULY 7TH (URHOBOTODAY)-President Goodluck Jonathan has reiterated that the country will remain one indivisible nation no matter the challenges of nation building, saying that terrorism is an anti-progress that must be stamped out.
He also said that the country should leverage on two important windows of opportunities, the Nigerian Army ingenuity and Petroleum sector local content drive to break through in development.
Addressing troops at the parade marking 150 years of Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) in Abuja, President Jonathan also assured that his administration will do everything possible within its powers to ensure that the wellbeing and security of Nigerians and foreigners alike are secured.
Stating that “we are celebrating discipline and excellence,” President Jonathan observed that since 1999, the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy and Nigeria Air Force have remained very focused on their constitutional roles.
He said that since the declaration of state of emergence in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa States, the conducts of the Military have also been well-thought-out.
“As we match forward, I urged you to keep to the rules of engagement and observe human rights,” he said. “I will urge you to continue to strengthen synergy with other security agencies in the country to nib in the bud security challenges in the country.”
He saluted Nigerians, communities, civil society organizations, women groups and youths who are supporting efforts to ensure security in the country.
The president noted that the Nigerian Army has made tremendous success in rehabilitating their equipment and urge the chief of army to find ways to retain in service the excellent brains serving in the Army even after their retirement.
However, he recalled that the operational engagements come with injuries, dead and dislocation and added that the nation will never forget their sacrifices.
In her remark, Minister of State for Defence, Erelu Olusola Obada said that the Military has made progress in the maintenance of security and order in the country, despite desperate attempts by insurgents to discredit it.
According to her, “efforts made by the military in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states have completely dislocated the terrorists.”
Earlier, in his welcome address, Chief of Army staff, Lt. General Onyeabo Azubuike Ihejirika said “the parade and equipment display is to remind us that Nigerian Army is prepared to defend the country.”
He added that authorities of the Nigerian Army have noticed the difficulties encountered operating in the region and have established Language Institute to make every member of the Nigerian Army by lingual, and also that the Army has also set up mobile surveillance equipment to improve information gathering.
Source: Huhuonline