President Muhammadu Buhari has called on the graduating military officers from the Nigerian Defence Academy in Kaduna to prepare to fight the divisive elements to keep Nigeria one
In his address at the passing out parade of the cadets of the 63 regular course today, Saturday, President Buhari said: “as you step out of this noble institution, your character will determine how far you can go. Endeavour to be patriotic and exhibit the highest level of discipline and loyalty to one Nigeria. You are indeed moving into a path of honour, sacrifice and responsibility.
“Above all, you must strive to keep to the tenets of the profession by remaining apolitical. You are also required to exhibit the highest sense of integrity, patriotism and exemplary service to the nation and its people.
The President recalled several efforts made by the soldiers to curtail the Boko Haram insurgents, but regretted that Nigeria has also seen the negative impacts of kidnapping, cattle rustling and renewed militancy in the Niger Delta on our economy.
He said that the repeated attacks in the Niger Delta have been impacting negatively on oil revenues, and that even the scourge of illegal Small Arms and Light Weapons, and the drugs war among others remain issues which are being seriously tackled.
“As we tackle the challenges of nation building and sustainable development, I urge the military to continue to operate within the rules of engagement. The military needs to constantly abide by the laws which guide armed conflicts as you carry out your constitutional roles. Without this, you will be doing a lot of damage to the institution and the Constitution as a whole. It is the extent to which you respect the laws of armed conflicts that success in the real context of global best practices will be measured.
“I would like to reiterate my call on all Nigerians to give peace a chance and jettison negative tendencies on our land and join government efforts at addressing the numerous challenges in the path of building a better Nigeria.”
The President reiterated that for the Niger Delta militants, there options are that are still open, including decisive military action, “if necessary, to deal with the criminal elements disguised in ethnic regalia to sabotage the country largely for their selfish and parochial interests. However, our priority still remains constructive engagement of the stakeholders for peace.
Buhari congratulated the parents, guardians and instructors of the passing out cadets whose commitment helped to achieve the important milestone in their lives, noting that the officers have entered a new chapter in their lives even as he assured them that it is going to be adventurous, turbulent but interesting.
“Your survival as an officer in the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria will be dependent on the extent to which you are able to apply the knowledge and skills acquired during your academic and military training in this Academy.
“Your parents, guardians and the nation in general have invested in you and it is payback time now. You are expected to serve this country selflessly with loyalty and integrity and set new records of gallantry in the defence of our dear nation as former cadets from this Academy have done and are still doing in various military campaigns within and outside our dear country.
“Our nation puts its trust in you and looks up to you with a lot of expectations which you must never betray. You no longer belong to your parents or your family alone. You no longer belong to your village, town or state. You now belong to the Nigerian nation and you will serve it selflessly and be prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice if the need arises.” [myad]
