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Match
expectations with reality, Yar’adua advises armed forces
From ISAAC ODEH, Kaduna________________________________________________________________
THE federal government will continue to meet the legitimate needs of
the Armed Forces within the limits of available resources, President
Umaru Musa Yar’adua has said.
He gave the assurance yesterday at the passing out parade ceremony
of 56th Regular Course Cadet officers of the Nigerian Defence
Academy (NDA), Kaduna.
The president speaking through Vice-President Goodluck Jonathan, was
specific about the needs the government considered legitimate. They
include “necessary logistics”. In doing so, he said government would
simultaneously pursue with greater vigour the on-going training and
retraining efforts.
“On your part, you must remember that the hallmark of any
professional and effective fighting force is discipline and loyalty.
You must never lose sight of these essential requirements in your
professional conduct. You should always be realistic in matching
your expectation of what is desirable with what is affordable by the
government,” he said.
He however commended the Nigerian armed forces for its roles in
international peace support operations worldwide and its aid to
civil authority during internal security operations.
He, therefore, urged the members of the armed forces to remain
faithful to their oath of allegiance and avoid acts that may
endanger democracy and indeed the country.
President Yar’adua also commended Nigerians for their support,
patience and perseverance since the 2007 general elections, adding
that it was “a true testimony of our resilience when compared with
similar events in some African countries.”
“I believe that the report of the Electoral Reform Panel will assist
us to remedy the imperfections in our electoral process and
strengthen our democracy. I urge all Nigerians to contribute fully
to the on-going debate to enhance the report of the panel.”
He lamented the insecurity in the Niger-Delta, saying “while
acknowledging the challenges facing the people of the region, we
must not allow the activities of a few criminal minds to create a
permanent state of insecurity in the place, destroy the economy and
scare away investors.
“That is why we are emphasing the need for a concerted constructive
dialogue with all stakeholders to resolve the lingering issue.
Similarly, the Niger-Delta Development Commission is working
assiduously to uplift the living standard of the people.”
He commended the graduating cadets for the completion of their
course and advised them to be good ambassadors of the institution in
their various units.
He also praised the commandant and the entire staff of the NDA for
their efforts at improving the standard of the NDA.
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