Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has marveled at a united front presented by both Muslims and Christians in the Nigerian Army to fight Boko Haram insurgents, which shows that the insurgents are not religiously prompted.
According to him, the victorious fight of our Military against the evil ideology of Boko Haram is evidence of the ascendancy of good over evil.
“Our men and women of the Armed Forces have in the past few years, battled an ideology that supports the killing of children on their beds, and the rape and abduction of women. Many of our men of the forces died in the NorthEast. At some point, this evil had taken over 14 local governments. But men whose wives are now widows and children fatherless, gave their lives to take back those territories.
“Secondly, as we remember our departed military heroes, we also celebrate the attribute of brotherhood and unity that the military has demonstrated in the history of our country. Against Boko Haram, they stood side-by-side Christians , Muslims and other faiths. They stood and still stand united from the NorthEast, SouthEast, NorthWest, SouthWest, North Central, and South South.”
Vice President Osinbajo spoke today, Sunday, at the interdenominational Church service for the Armed Forces Rememberance Day celebration at the National Christian Centre, Abuja.
The Vice President said that the same soldiers are today, mobilizing in Southern Kaduna, Christians, Muslims, and from every tribe and tongue in Nigeria to defeat hate, intolerance and terrorism.
“They are prepared to lay down their lives to prove that our country belongs to all regardless of religion or ethnicity. That when any Nigerian is killed, it is evil that has prevailed. It is darkness that has won.
“Mr. President and the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, said and I paraphrase him:
“The military I joined never recognized tribe or religion. We fought side by side. Muslims, Christians, and from every ethnic group.”
On another occasion, he said “we must not be deceived by those who kill in the name of religion. No religion teaches the killing of the innocent or any one for that matter.”
Osinbajo said that President Buhari even said “anyone who says “God is great” is either insane or simply does not understand what he is saying.”
The Vice President described those who have laid down their lives as true heroes.
“We are committed to ensuring that as Olatayo Lola Emmanuel, who read that moving poem said, our fallen heroes, especially their dreams for their children will never be forgotten.” [myad]
