By Nathaniel Zacchaeus, Abuja
President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, said yesterday that officers and men of the Nigerian Armed Forces deserve honour and respect.
Akpabio stated this in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Eseme Eyiboh to commemorate this year’s Armed Forces Remembrance Day in Abuja.
The Senate President pledged that the National Assembly under his chairmanship will continue to give priority and undiluted attention to the welfare of the members of the Armed Forces commensurate with their unwavering commitment and patriotism to the nation.
He said the sacrifices made by members of the Armed Forces to keep Nigeria one and in peace should be acknowledged and accorded due honour and respect by every Nigerian.
The Senate President noted that “Nigerians owe their fallen heroes, serving and retired military personnel absolute honour, respect and in fact, a debt of gratitude because it is not a fluke for people to offer their lives in defence of their countrymen and women to live in peace and harmony.
“By laying their lives for our sake, those who died in the line of duty are our fallen heroes and must be honoured at all times. For those who are in the trenches fighting day and night and those who have retired, we will continue to give them their due honour and respect.
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“The military has been partners in the progress of defending the territorial integrity of the nation, maintaining peace, and sustaining our cherished democracy. This is commendable”
Similarly, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Army, Senator Abdulaziz Musa Yar’Adua, has pledged that the National Assembly will continue to embark on legislative activities that would enhance the welfare of members of the Nigerian Armed Forces.
Yar’Adua stated this in his message to Nigerians on the occasion of the 2024 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration.
He said, “I assure all Nigerians that as part of our duty in the Senate, the National Assembly will continue to champion legislation that will improve on the welfare of our military men and women for better commitment to the Nigerian people as enshrined in the Constitution.”
Also, the Senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan noted with regret that the celebration was taking place at a time when the world is bitterly mourning the death of Nabeeha, the captivity of her sisters, and other innocent Nigerians who are in captivity or who have been killed or maimed over the years.
Akpoti-Uduaghan in a statement in Abuja, said, “Amidst these turbulent situations, we have gallant soldiers who have been sacrificing for the safety of Nigerians, paying their due to secure the country but seems their good deeds remain unrewarded.”
She stressed the need for a call to action on the part of the government to ensure that these heroes get their reward while they are alive rather than just honouring them when they are no more.
The Senator said, “Yet while we acknowledge the bravery of our Armed Forces we must also acknowledge the brutal and painful losses felt by our people.
“Today, therefore, must be in remembrance of our fallen heroes and the many unrecognised military personnel giving their best to secure Nigerians. May today engender us to fight harder for the lost souls and to do more to care for our Armed Forces while they live,” he added.
