Aregbesola Urges Nigerians To Embrace Peace, Unity

Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola has urged Nigerians to remain committed to national peace and unity.
Speaking yesterday at the launch of the 2014 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Emblem at the Government House in Osogbo, the state capital, he said the armed forces are critical to preserving national integrity and preventing internal collapse.
Aregbesola said the people can rely on Nigerian soldiers to defend them against external aggression.
Launching the emblem with N15 million, he said: “We will not easily forget the important role played by the armed forces in the nationalist efforts that eventually led to the country’s independence.
“Soldering as a profession is a difficult calling. Even if only for the fact that it involves the voluntary sacrifice of one’s life for one’s nation. In this regard, our soldiers have acquitted themselves well.
“They are described as patriots, who have done the nation proud. They have continually been called upon to make sacrifices on behalf of their country and for the greater cause of humanity.”
The governor said the celebration was important in view of the security challenges experienced in several parts of the country, “for which soldiers have been making serious sacrifices”.
He said citizens must ensure that the numerous sacrifices made by the armed forces for the country are not in vain by respecting the nation’s corporate integrity and diversity, adding that Nigeria is a nation with great potentials, blessed by God with both human and material resources.
Deputy Commandant-General and Chairman, Nigerian Legion, Osun State chapter, Col. Alimi Samotu said people, as matter of responsibility, must remember the dependents and children of fallen heroes.
He urged the Federal Government to pay military pension arrears, saying: “This should be taken serious, as the legion’s state chairmen are faced with much pressure from members. To put us in a safe situation, the balance of 20 per cent arrears is much awaited to avoid possible demonstration in the future.”
THE NATION