…Sympathises with army, Borno State over recent attacks on communities
President Bola Tinubu on Friday assured security personnel laying down their lives fighting insurgents and protecting the country that their sacrifice will never be in vain.
The president gave the assurance at an interfaith breakfast meeting organised for the service chiefs and other top security personnel at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Friday night.
Tinubu, who also used the opportunity to express the country’s sympathy to the Nigerian Army and the people of Borno State over recent attacks on military formations and communities in the state, assured that the perpetrators would not go unpunished.
“I’m standing before you to say thank you for responding to this invitation for an interfaith breaking of fast together, reflecting the complexity and diversity of our nation. But God has ordained this period to coincide with one another for self-integration and self-actualisation, and interfaith peace is very, very laudable that we can celebrate and just break bread together.
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“We reflect our diversity, which is the hallmark of the progress and solidarity of our country. I’m so grateful to all of you, particularly the leadership of the armed forces, working so hard to protect this country from marauders and keep our sovereignty.
“I assure you your sufferings will not be in vain,” the president said.
He added that the nation would always remain grateful to security personnel.
“I assure you we will do everything possible, collectively, to ensure that you have no regrets. The welfare and many other opportunities that should be extended to your families will take first priority in our decisions,” he said.
On the shortage of accommodation for security personnel, the president promised that the government would tackle the challenge head-on.
Tinubu also reiterated that the nation’s economy had begun to stabilise.
“When we started, we had a rough ride and ran into very serious turbulence. But I can say, as I’m standing before you now, that we have stabilised. I’m happy to inform you that your sacrifices and those of your fellow citizens are not in vain.
“We are out of the dark tunnel. We are seeing the daylight and bright light ahead of us,” he said.
He noted that Nigeria had always prevailed whenever the country faced challenges.
“We have always come together, pulled together, and sympathised with one another,” he added.
Speaking on the recent attacks on military formations and communities in Borno State, the president expressed sympathy to the vice president, the people of Borno and the entire country.
“I made a call to Zulum to share the pain with him.
“If you talk to him too, please remember to reinforce our love and our sincere concern and commitment that freedom could be difficult and challenging at this period. We appreciate all the people who are facing the challenges of terrorism and banditry. We will win; Nigeria will prevail,” Tinubu said.
Also speaking at the event, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, commended the president for standing firmly with the security agencies.
“I want to most sincerely thank our indefatigable president for the various approvals for the upward review of the salaries of members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, as well as the upward review of the allowances of the Brigade of Guards.
“These approvals were also extended to other areas of equipment procurement, as well as the provision of decent accommodation for members of the armed forces. These laudable approvals will go a long way in enhancing our operational efficiency, and I assure you they are well received by all members of the armed forces,” he said.
Shaibu also expressed appreciation to Nigerians for their overwhelming support for the armed forces.
“I wish to use this opportunity to reaffirm our loyalty to Mr President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.
“We also, as members of the armed forces, remain the defenders of our democracy and will do all it takes to safeguard it,” he said.
