SOUTH EAST GOVERNORS DRUM SUPPORT FOR ARMED FORCES

Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo state has called on the Nigerian Armed Forces to discharge selfless duties to the nation and humanity.

Governor Okorocha, who made this known at the grand finale of activities to mark2018 Armed Forces and Remembrance Day at the Heroes Square Owerri, observed that the greatest love a soldier could show was to die to save the territorial integrity of his nation.

He commended the Nigerian Armed Forces for their patriotism in the fight against Boko Haram in the north east and the marauding herdsmen militia.

The Governor used the opportunity to console the wives of the fallen heroes and urged Nigerians to assist them.

Governor Okorocha thanked members of the Nigerian Legion who had served their father land noting that Imo State Government would partner them by introducing the volunteering spirit to enable them to contribute their little quota to the security and development of the state.

The occasion featured observation of a minute silence and prayers for the fallen heroes, gun salute by the soldiers, release of pigeon as a symbol of peace and laying of wreath by Governor Okorocha, the speaker and Chief Judge of the stateas well as heads of military and paramilitary formations in the area.

Also, Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State says his administration will continue to prioritized security in the area.

Governor Ikpeazu stated this in a message to the 2018 Armed forces and Remembrance Day celebration in Umuahia.

Dr. Ikpeazu represented by the Deputy Governor Mr. Ude Okochukwu noted that government would continue to acknowledge and appreciate the patriotic contributions and sacrifices of the Nigerian Armed forces in the fight against insurgency and in the maintenance of national, regional and global peace and security.

He maintained that his administration would always partner the NigerianLegion and other security agencies in the efforts to sustain the prevailing peace and security in the state.

The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development,Mrs. Kate Onyemachi, urged the legionnaires and security agencies to continue to render the required service notwithstanding the challenges they faced.

The event ended with the laying of wreaths on the tomb of the Unknown Soldier by the Governor’s representative, the commander 14 Brigade Nigerian Army Ohaofia, the commandant Nigerian Navy Finance and Logistic School Owerrinta, the Commissioner of Police in the State, Sate Chairman Nigeria Legion, representatives of widows of commissioned and non-commissioned officers.

The Governor also released white pigeons to signify peace.

Likewise, activities marking this year’s Armed Forces Remembrance Day have been concluded in Abakaliki Ebonyi State with the laying of wreath on the tomb of an unknown soldier.

Governor David Umahi led other important dignitaries including the Commander Nkwoagu Military Cantonment, Lieutenant Colonel Abubarkar Sadiq and the State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Titus Lamorde to perform the function at the Unity Square Abakaliki.

The event, which featured parade by the Nigerian Army Nkwoagu Military Cantonment, was attended by top government functionaries, including the Speaker Ebonyi State House of Assembly, Chief Francis Nwifuru.

There was fired a 36 gun salute for the fallen heroes while the Governor released pigeons signifying peace.

Similarly, activities to commemorate the2018 Armed Forces and Remembrance Day ended in Enugu with laying of wreath at the cenotaph of an unknown soldier.

The event, which took place at Michael Okpara Square, was a solemn moment for dignitaries in attendance who paid tributes to the fallen heroes.

In an interview at the event, the chairman of the Nigerian Legion Enugu State council, Mr. Emeka Igwesi, explained that it was through assisting the families of those who lost their lives in battle to protect their father land that Nigerians could show solidarity.

According to Mr. Igwesi, the day remains a great one for ex-service men and those still in active service.

The General Officer Commanding 82 Division of the Nigeria Army Enugu, Major General Admu Abubakar who described the event as significant to the unity of the country, prayed for peaceful co-existence among Nigerians irrespective of ethnic or religious inclinations.

Among dignitaries that laid wreath at the cenotaph of the Unknown Soldier were the Governor of Enugu State, Chief Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi; the Chief Judge of the State, Justice Priscilla Emehelu; representatives of the Speaker of the Enugu State House of Assembly, the Air Force and the Police.

The event also featured prayer and release of pigeons.

Meanwhile, the Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, the Most Reverend Paulinus Ezeokafor has challenged political, military and administrative leaders to be committed to offering effective national service to the country.

The Most Reverend Ezeokafor stated this in a homily during a Eucharistic Service to mark the 2018 Armed Forces Remembrance at Saint Patrick’s Cathedral, Awka.

The Bishop, who explained that leadership was all about service to citizens, noted that government had the responsibility of creating an enabling environment for effective security in any nation.

He frowned at the activities of herdsmen in some parts of the country and urged the Federal Government to rise to the challenge of arresting alleged killers and to forestall further destructions of lives and property by the militia herdsmen.

Addressing the congregation, Governor Willie Obiano described the event as a time for stock taking on contributions of the Armed Forces to national unity.

Governor Obiano applauded the service chiefs and security agencies for their efforts toward stabilizing the democratic institution in the country.

Later, during the wreath laying and parade ceremonies of the 2018 Armed Forces and Remembrance Day Celebration held at Alex Ekwueme Square, Awka, Governor Obiano applauded the Armed Forces for their role in ensuring the corporate existence of the nation.

On the occasion, the leadership of the Nigerian Legion in the area called for the provision of a functional Secretariat for its members in the State.

The Armed Forces and Remembrance Day celebration is an annual event organized to honour members of the Nigerian Armed Forces who fought in the first and second world wars, and those who served or are still serving in various peace keeping operations worldwide as well as those that fought in the Nigeria civil war.

CHUKWUKA AGUKWE, LAWRENCE NWOKEDI, AMECHI ODO, CHUKWUMA EZEOGU, NDU NWANNA AND KEVIN EKEDIEGWU