President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday declared that the Ministry of Defence should as a matter of urgency institute a special package for officers and men who were killed in the fight against insurgency.
President Jonathan stated this at the Passing out Parade (POP) of 61 Regular Course and Short Service Course 42 (Army) at the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Kaduna.
Jonathan maintained that Nigeria cannot abandon those who died while ensuring that other Nigerians live in peace, especially the battle against terrorists.
According to President Jonathan, the cadets who were subsequently commissioned into the three services of the Nigerian Armed Forces were coming at a time the nation was faced with internal security challenges, therefore, they must be prepared to protect the lives and property of law abiding Nigerians at all time.
He said that the military career which they have voluntarily chosen was not for chicken hearted persons, hence the need for them to be courageous and discharge high level of professionalism as they move into their respective services.
Jonathan further charged the armed forces to remain steadfast in defence of Nigeria’s territorial integrity, adding that the passing out cadets should emulate their superiors in absolute loyalty to the nation and the civil authority.
He said: “As you are about to be commissioned into the Nigerian Armed Forces today, let me remind you that your loyalty to the nation must never be in doubt. Your loyalty to the nation must be 100 per cent. Your must reflect the values loyalty, love and commitment impacted on you here throughout the period of your career.”
