At Armed Forces Emblem Launching, Buhari Preaches Unity

President Muhammadu Buhari has appealed to political actors to “put Nigeria first” as he launched the 2019 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration Emblem on Wednesday in Abuja.

Buhari said for citizens to live in unity, there is the need for the political leaders in the country to refrain from inciting statements and rather be more decorous in utterances.

The president, who launched the appeal fund with N10 million before commencement of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting on Wednesday, said the country may cease to exist if political leaders continue to sing songs of disunity to their followers.

‘‘We would have no country to lead if our acts of deliberate incitement lead to the disintegration of our dear nation,’’ the President said in his address at the Council Chambers.

‘‘Let us put Nigeria first and realise that in every contest there must be one winner.

‘‘The celebration forcefully reminds us of the resolve of our citizens to remain in one united country, Nigeria.

‘‘It also points out the fact that we had been through a bitter and unfortunate war that led to the loss of millions of our compatriots and the need to do all within our powers to avoid a reoccurrence of war.

‘‘It is painful that this happened despite all the efforts of government to effect release of the two victims.

‘‘We condemn the callous and cowardly act in its entirety and call on all citizens and friends to forge a united front against this common enemy of our destiny.

‘‘Once more, I extend the heartfelt condolences of the Government and people of Nigeria to the families and friends of these martyrs,’’ the President said.

President Buhari also expressed delight that businesses operating in Nigeria are beginning to give special consideration to members of the Armed Forces and veterans.

‘‘Specifically, some airlines operating in Nigeria offer discounts to members of the Armed Forces. This gesture is commendable and in line with my call for recognition, consideration and appreciation of our Armed Forces.

‘‘I urge more business ventures to chip in by assisting the Security Forces in whatever way they can,’’ he said.

On the Bill to amend the Nigerian Legion Act to a proposed “Veterans Federation of Nigeria” Act, the President urged the 8th National Assembly to give the proposed legislation quick attention.

‘‘As Grand Patron of the Nigerian Legion (Veterans), I wish to pledge my continued support and that of the Federal Government to the organisation.

‘‘My appreciation goes to State Governors who are patrons in their respective states for the support they are giving to the Legion. I enjoin them not to relent but improve on this,’’ he said.

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, members of the Federal Executive Council, Chief of Defence Staff, General Abayomi Olonisakin, service chiefs and the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, senior officers and veterans, were among those who accompanied the president to the event.