ABUJA – President Muhammadu Buhari has in defiance of ongoing agitations and protests for true Federalism that appear to be forming visible demand bubbles for self independence in some regions of the country, proclaimed that Nigeria remains one indivisible entity.
Nigeria has in its 55 years of nationhood, suffered challenges of internal strifes including civil war, religious fanaticism, Islamist terrorism and restive ethnic militarism, resulting in several National Confabs, aimed at providing the citizens with a workable national constitution but to no avail.
The current 1999 Nigerian Constitution (as amended), has been severally criticised as one that is tilted to favour a particular session of the country, and one that was forced on the Nigerian people by the military juntas of the past.
However, speaking yesterday, at the Banquet Hall of the Aso Rock Villa, while launching the 2016 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Emblem and Appeal Fund, President Buhari submitted that Nigeria’s unity since independence was an eloquent testimony to Nigerians’ determination to remain as one people.
“Today’s occasion reminds us of the need to appreciate the noble contributions of our fallen heroes who paid the supreme sacrifice to maintain national and international peace and security.
Our nation has recently celebrated 55 years of political independence and continues to remain as one indivisible entity despite several grievous challenges.
Since independence, Nigeria has witnessed a lot of internal strife, survived a civil war and has remained united.
This feat achieved by the country is an eloquent testimony to the determination of our citizens to remain as one people”, he declared.
President Buhari also noted that sacrifices of the nation’s fallen heroes, heroines and veterans who rose up to the security challenges could not go unnoticed.
He noted that Nigerians and visitors to the country may be required to wear the 2016 Armed Forces Remembrance Emblem as pass for entry into all government establishments.
According to him, this is necessary to recognize the feats recorded by the Nation’s living and fallen heroes in keeping the country together since independence.
Announcing a donation of N10 million in support of the cause, the president remarked that consequent upon the efforts of veterans, Nigeria as a country has weathered through many storms which ordinarily should have prompted a disintegration.
The ceremony was witnessed by the Vice President Yemi Osinbajo; former Head of the Interim National Government, Chief Ernest Shonekan; Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara and the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Mahmud Mohammed among a host of ministers.
