Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on Sunday lamented the devastating effects of the activities of the Isis backed Boko Haram insurgents, saying that Nigeria buried 13 Soldiers and 5 Air Force officers lost to the Boko Haram fight.
Osinbajo who was speaking at the annual Armed Forces and Remembrance Day thanksgiving in Abuja, on Sunday, used the occasion to pay tributes to the fallen heroes and heroines of Military struggles in Nigeria.
He however warned against politicization of the war against Boko Haram, adding that the nation stands the risk of jeopardizing her unity and territorial integrity through “reckless utterances and actions that play on ethnic and religious fault lines.
“As important is to ensure that they did not die in vain. This unity and territorial integrity of the nation for which they died must not be jeopardized by the reckless utterances and actions which play on the religious and ethnic faultlines of our nation.”
“This particular Remembrance day is perhaps more poignant than any other. In the past few weeks we have buried 13 soldiers and last week 5 airforce pilots…all these men died in battle fending off Boko Haram and Isis West Africa terrorists in the North East”
Osinbajo who reiterated that Nigeria Armed Forces have destroyed the backbone of the Isis led insurgents, adding that the country has seen in the past few years, patriotism at its highest .
“Our valiant men and women of the armed forces have destroyed the backbone of boko Haram who once attacked Abuja, Kano and Kaduna with impunity and hoisted their tattered flags over 17 local governments in the North East”
“Today both Boko Haram and Isis West Africa operate as small even if deadly guerilla bands in parts of Borno State . But in these battles we have been sharply reminded that indeed “freedom is not free”. .
“That peace is often paid for with blood and gore. And that no Nation can secure its territory without the selflessness and the supreme sacrifices of many”
“And truly as someone said
“Our flag does not fly because the wind moves it. It flies with the last breath of each soldier who died protecting it.”
Osinbajo while also noting that the ordinary people of Nigeria have demonstrated time and time again that they share common problems and a believe in common destiny, added that “ the desire for food, shelter, clothing and decent jobs does is unblinkered by tribe, tongue or faith. Our unity and peaceful coexistence is the best tribute to our fallen heroes”
“Our posthumous thanks to them and their families who not only bore the fearful apprehension of their going to war but also the heart break of their deaths. But our gratitude must also mean a commitment to ensuring that their families are cared for, that their children do not ask why the sacrifices they made were made at all”
The over one Month long activities lined up for honoring the fallen heroes which began in December, last year, is expected to be rounded up tomorrow with the laying of Wreath and Military parade/ display at the Arcade ground, in Abuja, to be performed by President Muhammmadu Buhari.
Tony Ailemen, Abuja
