By Jutha Gupah, Maiduguri
President Muhammadu Buhari has said that corruption has to be “killed in whatever form” to overcome the three fundamental problems of insecurity, graft and unemployment among the teeming youths in the
country.
Buhari made the declarations on Sunday, while addressing troops of Operation Lafiya Dole to mark 57th Independence Anniversary at 212 Battalion parade ground; Maimalari Cantonment, Maiduguri. He said that troops will remain in the front line, until people are “free to live any party” of this country.
His words: “I am very pleased with the nation and the responsible opinion of world over has congratulated this administration for the progress made. I personally thanked the governor of Borno state, Kashim Shettima, for his courage that he stood firm throughout Boko Haram crises.
“I assure you that, despite my health failures in the last six months; I have never forgotten how much you mean to this country. I have told you not once, twice that you have done much to this country; as
members of the Armed Forces and law enforcement agencies. Your duty has shown the loyalty to the nation.”
He said under his leadership, there will be resources available as much as the country can afford to support military operations in the Northeast and the nation at large.
Buhari also reminded the troops that they will remain in the frontline, until every citizen is free to live in any part of the country. “We haven’t lost focus; we have been consistent in the change of government with three fundamental problems,” said the President.
He continued: “First need is security. Unless the country is secured nobody can do his or her own job. Secondly, the economy; you have to get jobs for the teeming youths that are coming out from Universities
and other educational institutions. And then thirdly, we have to kill corruption in whatever form.
“We know so much about this country. The people that are making so much noise about the socioeconomic progress and stability of this country were not born then. They did not know what it means to be nationalistic.
“I am here to greet and thank you, and tell you that; one of the best services in the country that you stand firm and serve your country.
The security of this country is in the hands of God and its security.
He warned that failure to stand firm in the front lines, could lead the troops commit the biggest security offence.
On the agitations for separation, he said: “No matter how many Nigeria was divided, nobody will take an oath to become a General and preside over a locality; not to talk of pension and gratuities.
“Even for selfish reason, your loyalty has to be with the centre first. I will make sure that your rights, as Nigerians will be guarded jealously.
I expect in return to be loyal and loyalty is from bottom upwards. Otherwise, the centre will not hold; and this centre is determined to hold.”
The Chief of Defense Staff, Maj-Gen Gabriel Olonisakin in his welcome address said the President’s visit to the Theatre Command in Borno state, was in recognition and appreciation of the services and members of Nigerian Armed Forces to keep a strong and indivisible nation, despite the challenges.
He said the President’s, is also a morale booster that will propel the military to greater performance in fighting Boko Haram insurgency to the finish.
His words: “It is on record that at the inception of the current leadership of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, the Boko Haram had control of several Local Government Areas in the northeast. This undermined
the sovereignty of our nation.
“With the leadership and support from current administration of our President, Buhari, our operational capacity across the three services of the Armed Forces been enhanced.”
He said all the territories that were under the control of Boko Haram have been liberated, while the displaced persons are gradually returning to their places of normal abode.
He said the improvements in security platforms and apparatuses have also ensured security in the Niger-Delta region, where Operation Delta Safe, is being concluded.
He said the improved security has also resulted into increased oil production in the country.
“We are continuing to record improvements in internal operations; as well as military and security obligations in those regions and around the world,” said Olonisakin.
