…Visits, condoles with Yar’adua family
President Muhammadu Buhari on Saturday admitted that Nigeria was passing through a time of great need for cohesion, peace and unity.
He made the statement at the Combined Passing Out Parade of the Cadets of 67 Regular Course and Short Service Course 46 (Army) at the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) Kaduna State.
While commending “the resilience and steadfastness of personnel in the Armed Forces for their professionalism and bravery in tackling the menace of terrorism, insurgency and armed banditry in the North East and North West zones as well as herders/farmers conflict, kidnapping, piracy and communal clashes in other parts of our country, he said the loyalty and patriotism of service personnel must be sustained and strengthened.
He also appealed to all Nigerians to uphold and project the unity of the country, while expressing confidence in the ability of the Nigerian Army to protect the territorial integrity of the nation, particularly in the ongoing war against terrorism, banditry and kidnapping.
He gave assurance that the Federal Government will increase manpower and improve training to meet the changing dynamics of security in the country.
“Despite our obvious differences, we must strive to ensure that our actions, and utterances are aimed towards strengthening our democratic framework.
“We must subsume our personal and sectional interests to the overall national aspirations of unity, economic prosperity and good governance, “he told the graduating officers.
According to the All Progressive Congress led government, the administration’s will continue to support the operations of the Armed Forces in the defence of the nation.
“Just recently, I approved the increment of manpower intake into the 3 services in order to cater to the deficit of personnel being experienced.
“Additionally, the Federal Government will sustain the provision of adequate modern equipment, logistics and infrastructure needed to support the operations of the Armed Forces.
“These no doubt will enhance the preparedness of the Armed Forces to meet contemporary security challenges especially with innovations in the field of warfare, Information, Communication and Technology, “he stated.
Meanwhile, the President has condoled with the family of Yar’Adua on the passing of Hajiya Rabi, mother in-law of his late friend and classmate, General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, describing her demise as a sad loss.
The President took time away from official schedule to Kaduna to visit the Yar’Adua family house where he was received by Hajiya Binta Yar’Adua, the late General’s widow and daughter of the deceased.
Buhari said the late Hajiya Rabi lived a useful life worthy of emulation, leaving behind an indelible mark in the lives of the many who came close to her.
He prayed Allah to accept her good deeds.
