President Buhari says Nigerians are determined to remain one

Despite the ongoing pro-Biafran protests rocking some parts of the country, President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday said Nigerians had resolved to remain one according to a report by PUNCH

He said the fact that the country witnessed a lot of internal strife and a civil war since independence and has remained united was a proof of the people’s resolve to remain one.

Buhari spoke during the launch of the 2016 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Emblem and Appeal Fund at the Council Chambers of the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

He said he was proud to address the gathering in honour of those who he said devoted their lives to the service of the country and the world at large.

The President said, “Today’s occasion reminds us of the need to appreciate the noble contributions of our fallen heroes who paid the supreme sacrifice to maintain national and international peace and security.

“Our nation has recently celebrated 55 years of political independence and continues to remain as one indivisible entity despite several grievous challenges.

“Since independence, Nigeria has witnessed a lot of internal strife, survived a civil war and has remained united.

“This feat achieved by the country is an eloquent testimony to the determination of our citizens to remain as one people.

“The sacrifices of our fallen heroes, heroines, and veterans who rose up to the security challenges cannot go un-noticed.”

While describing the current terrorism challenge as a trying time for Nigeria, Buhari described the theme of this year’s remembrance, “Motivating  the Nigerian Armed Forces for Effective Service Delivery” as very apt for the current realities.

He lauded men of the nation’s armed forces for their courage and sacrifices in grappling with the wave of terrorism, oil theft​ and piracy in some parts of the country, saying they have displayed unalloyed loyalty and commitment to Nigeria.