By ZAKAA LAZARUS, Abuja.
As we commemorate with joy, the 64th Anniversary of our dear nation, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa have the honour on behalf of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to, salutes our founding fathers who have contributed immeasurably to make this auspicious day a reality.
According to him, he cannot but remember their doggedness, resilience and sacrifice, predicated on unfeign love for our nation, which has enabled us to remain indivisible as a nation for the past 64 years.
“This is not to say the journey to nationhood had been all smooth, despite the fact that we obtained our independence without bloodshed” he added.
That we are alive today, we have every cause to glorify God, most especially members of the Armed Forces who must have at one time or the other witnessed the sacrifice of their colleagues in the defence of our dear nation.
He said, as we mark another face of our nationhood, he deemed it fit to call on all members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to remain patriotic, abide by our professional calling, in ensuring peace and tranquility prevails in our beloved country.
He added that owing to the great responsibilities placed on our oars over these eventful years, we cannot afford to pay mere lips service to the germane issues of patriotism and loyalty to constituted authorities. As a nation, there are norms and values that bind us together, of which if we make collective efforts to promote, the nation will be better for all. It is a thing of joy to note that for the past twenty-five years, the AFN has remained in the Barracks, while supporting the democratically elected government to lead the affairs of the nation.
General Musa seized this opportunity to salutes the gallantry of our troops for sustaining the status of being the pride of the nation. So far, the AFN has not let the nation down in its fight against insurgents, banditry and other forms of criminalities. Lucid as the above assertion may sound, we still need to remind ourselves that all hands must be on the deck in our collective efforts to curtail the insecurity bedeviling the nation.
He urged Nigerians to always see something and say something.
He further warned those who are incurably pessimistic about the well-being of the nation, adopting subversive posture, offering themselves as willing tools for destabilization to have a rethink as the AFN will not permit the subversive elements to have their ways.
Finally, the CDS , on behalf of the members of the AFN expressed his profound gratitude to Mr. President, H.E Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unflinching commitment to providing the Military with its needs to secure Nigeria and Nigerians. He also salutes other arms of government for their invaluable contributions to nation building.
Once again, happy independence anniversary to all Nigerians.
