Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Tuesday urged Nigerians to refrain from acts that could cause unrest and war in the country, saying that the nation cannot afford to travel that path anymore as the end results are always devastating.
Governor Ambode, who spoke at the Lagos House in Alausa, Ikeja while launching the 2019 Armed Forces Remembrance Emblem Appeal Week, said the period was a reminder for Nigerians to realise that the unity of the nation must remain paramount above every persona interest.
He said, “The Nigerian Armed Forces veterans and fallen heroes did not fight for the sovereignty of the nation based on their tribe, ethnicity and religion, then why should we now allow the things that brought us together as one to now celebrate us and cause a conflagration of incitement that want to disintegrate our nation,”.
The Governor, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Mrs Idiat Adebule, particularly alluded to the electioneering period often associated with civil unrest, noting that the peace and unity of the country must not be compromised in the course of the exercise.
“As we head into the electioneering year, I appeal to every candidate vying for a position, party members and youths in the society to look beyond self gratification that could lead to civil unrest and lawlessness in the society,” he said.
Launching the Armed Forces Emblem, Governor Ambode it was yet another reminder for all Nigerians to reflect on the sacrifices made by gallant heroes, some of whom paid the ultimate price to keep the nation together as one indivisible nation and the collective and individual responsibility to the welfare of the families they left behind and the survivors who suffered devastating injuries during the war.
He said the occasion was a clarion call for everyone to show serving military men, veterans and families of fallen heroes that their services and sacrifices to the nation was not only in vain but greatly appreciated.
“Let us show love and compassion to them for the freedom we all enjoy is a depravation to others. In doing this, we inspire and motivate them to give their all in the protection and security of our dear country.
“I hereby implore you all to always treat our ex-service men with respect and donate generously in the support of the Nigerian legion. Let us mobilise and extend more support for the benefits of the veterans. Let us join hands with the government in improving the welfare of the families of our fallen heroes,” Governor Ambode said.
Earlier in his opening remarks, the State Commissioner for Home Affairs, Dr. Abdul Hakeem Abdul Lateef, emphasised the need for all citizens to appreciate the gallant fallen heroes through donations for the welfare and upkeep of their families, saying the emblem launch was to signify the commencement of the appeal week.
Also speaking, Chairman of Lagos State Branch of Nigerian Legion, Col. Samuel Fola Akande (Rtd) commended Governor Ambode for his efforts at rapidly transforming the State and fulfilling the promises made to the Legion.
He specially thanked the Governor for donating N25million, 600 bags of LAKE Rice to the legionnaires last year and approving the employment of trained commanders of the legion to work in the security units of Ministries, Departments and Agencies as well as schools, saying the gesture went a long way in putting smiles on the faces of the families of fallen heroes.
