Armed Forces Remembrance: We can’t afford another civil clash, says Fayemi
...Urges support for Army
Kehinde Adewole, Ado Ekiti
Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State has said that Nigerians cannot afford to allow another civil war like that of Biafra of the late 1960s and early 1970s to disrupt the peace currently being enjoyed in the country, urging all to work towards sustaining the peace of the country to ensure sustainable development.
Governor Fayemi pleaded with the citizenry to guard against engaging in acts that can endanger the fragile peace and also desist from fanning the embers of war.
Speaking, on Thursday, at the official launch of the state emblem appeal fund for the 2019 Armed Forces Remembrance Day in Ado-Ekiti, Governor Fayemi emphasised that “Nigeria cannot afford yet another war.”
The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Otunba Bisi Egbeyemi, praised members of the Nigerian Legion and serving soldiers for their sacrifice to keep the country united.
According to a statement signed by the Special Assistant (Media) to the Deputy Governor, Odunayo Ogunmola, the event signaled the commencement of activities to mark this year’s Armed Forces Remembrance Day which reaches its climax on January 15 with the laying wreaths in honour of the fallen heroes.
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The governor was quoted as saying, “There is no price too high to pay for peace when compared to the cost of war. I therefore enjoin all engaged in acts that can endanger the fragile peace in our nation to desist from fanning the embers of war.
“This nation cannot afford another war and we must live in peace with one another. We must resolve that never again shall we allow our dear nation by our actions or inactions to experience another war.”
He also noted that everything must be done to encourage the Armed Forces to step up efforts at defending the territorial integrity of the country at all times.
This, he said, must begin with providing adequate equipment and minimum necessary resources to mobilise against those he referred to as “enemies of the country.”
The governor warned against endangering the lives of the nation’s gallant soldiers by acts of omission or commission saying “the days of diverting funds meant for insurgency and welfare of Armed Forces are gone forever.”
According to him, the emblem launch was in commemoration of soldiers who fought gallantly and laid down their lives for the sovereignty of the nation and to honour and support the veterans who are still alive.
Fayemi commenced the valour exhibited by veterans of the 1st and 2nd World Wars, the Nigerian Civil War and the contemporary soldiers fighting insurgency and various forms of security challenges in the country.
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The Chairman of the state branch of the Nigerian Legion, Col. Adeyanju Olorunda (rtd) said the launch was aimed at raising funds for widows and dependants of fallen heroes and war veterans.
Olorunda appealed to the state government to assist the legionnaires regretting that many of them are being poorly treated despite serving their fatherland diligently.
He urged the state government to donate a bus to the association, appoint members into political officers and empower them.
Permanent Secretary, Office of Establishment and Training, Mr. Sesan Alabi, urged Nigerians to assist the families of the fallen heroes saying such an act would motivate those in active servce that their efforts in sustaining the nation’s territorial integrity are not in vain.
