Governor of Lagos State, Akinwunmi Ambode, has called on Nigerians to refrain from acts that could cause unrest, as the country cannot afford to travel that path again having survived a civil war.
Governor Ambode spoke at the Lagos House in Alausa, Ikeja, while launching the 2019 Armed Forces remembrance emblem appeal week, saying the period was a reminder that the unity of the nation must remain paramount above personal interest.
According to Ambode, the Nigerian Armed Forces veterans and fallen heroes did not fight for the sovereignty of the nation based on their tribe, ethnicity and religion. “Therefore Nigerians must not allow the things that brought us together to cause a conflagration of incitement that want to disintegrate our nation,” he said.
The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Idiat Adebule, alluded to the electioneering period and its associated 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 to look beyond self gratification that could lead to civil unrest and lawlessness in the society,” he said.
Launching the Armed Forces emblem, Ambode said it was yet another reminder for Nigerians to reflect on the sacrifices made by gallant heroes, some of whom paid the ultimate price to keep Nigeria indivisible nation.
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 were not in vain but greatly appreciated.
“Let us show love and compassion to them for the freedom we all enjoy is 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 all to 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,” Ambode said.
Abdul Hakeem Abdul Lateef, the commissioner for home affairs, speaking, also emphasised the need to appreciate the fallen heroes through donations for the welfare and upkeep of their families, saying the emblem launch signifies the commencement of the appeal week.
Chairman of Lagos State chapter of Nigerian Legion, Samuel Fola Akande, a retired army colonel, thanked the state government for last year’s donation of N25 million, 600 bags of Lake rice to the legionnaires.
