(SINL NIGERIA) The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa has paid tribute to the founding fathers of the nation as Nigeria celebrate 64th Independence Anniversary.
Specifically, he acknowledged their doggedness, resilience and sacrifice, predicated on unfeigned love for the nation, saying it has enabled the nation to remain indivisible for the past 64 years.
The CDS, in a statement on Tuesday signed by Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, Director Defence information called on members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) to remain patriotic, abide by their professional calling, in ensuring peace and tranquility prevails in the country.
He said “owing to the great responsibilities placed on our oars over these eventful years, we cannot afford to pay mere lips service to the germane issues of patriotism and loyalty to constituted authorities.
“As a nation, there are norms and values that bind us together, of which if we make collective efforts to promote, the nation will be better for all.
“It is a thing of joy that for the past twenty-five years, the AFN has remained in the Barracks, while supporting the democratically elected government to lead the affairs of the nation”.
General Musa applauded the gallantry of troops for sustaining the status of being the pride of the nation.
According to the CDS “So far, the AFN has not let the nation down in its fight against insurgents, banditry and other forms of criminalities, we still need to remind ourselves that all hands must be on deck in our collective efforts to curtail the insecurity bedeviling the nation”.
He however warned those who are incurably pessimistic about the well-being of the nation, adopting subversive posture, offering themselves as willing tools for destabilization to have a rethink, pointing out that the AFN will not permit the subversive elements to have their ways.
Additionally, the CDS, on behalf of the members of the AFN expressed profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unflinching commitment to providing the military with its needs to secure Nigeria and Nigerians.
He also commended other arms of government for their invaluable contributions to nation building.
