*advices Nigerians against ethno religious rivalry
By; JACOB ONJEWU DICKSON
In spite of the security challenges prevailing in the country, there is the need to salute the Nigerian Armed Forces for successes recorded in fight against terrorist group, Boko Haram.
The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) expressed this in a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, made available in respect of the Armed Forces Remembrance Day 2018.
“Despite some security challenges which we currently grapple with as a nation, we have many reasons to hail the gallantry and patriotism of our Armed Forces, particularly in degrading Boko Haram in the North East and militancy in the Niger Delta.
“Internationally, Nigeria has contributed its own fair quota to the resolution of global conflicts through our soldiers fighting in two World Wars; contributing troops to the containment of strife in Tanganyika and Congo; not to mention our lead roles in the wars in Liberia and Sierra Leone,” it stated.
It explained that as Nigeria celebrates the 2018 Armed Forces Remembrance Day and the end of the Nigerian Civil War on January 15, 1970, the party remembers the country’s gallant military that fought for its unity and territorial integrity.
“Our thoughts and prayers are also with our injured and fallen soldiers and with their friends, families and loved ones. We all have a duty to ensure the welfare of the families and dependants left behind,” it added.
APC said that one of the major campaign promises it made to Nigerians before the 2015 elections was the security of Nigerians.
“We assure Nigerians that the President Muhammadu Buhari-led APC administration remains solidly committed to ensuring that every Nigerian in every part of the country is able to live a peacefully and go about their normal daily activities,” it added.
It advised that at this point of national life when ethno-religious and political differences have pitched many citizens against each others, Nigerians must rise above these seeming differences and work together with a unity of purpose to achieve the country of their dreams.
“Again, as political activities heighten, we call on all Nigerians and indeed our political actors to eschew hate speeches and other divisive actions that can trigger violence.
“Like many other progressive nations of the world, Nigeria must embrace best practices such as tolerance, continuous dialogue, compromise and peaceful coexistence. Only then will we as a nation turn our diversity to strength,” it concluded.
