President Olusegun Obasanjo yesterday charged members of the nation�s Armed Forces to remain focussed and loyal in the discharge of their constitutional duties of protecting the nation�s territorial integrity as the country approached the April elections.
Obasanjo, who gave the charge at the Nigerian Army colour presentation parade held at the Eagle Square, Abuja, also charged them to continue to engender a nation of focused and God-fearing leaders who would be committed to national ideals.
The president, who appeared in a full military ceremonial dress noted that the armed forces had remained key pillars in support of democratic consolidation for nearly eight years since the country returned to democracy and urged them to remain steadfast in the discharge of their duties.
” I call on all the officers and men of the armed services to remain steadfast in discharge of your constitutional duties especially as we approach the landmark 2007 general elections.
“I urge you to continue engendering a nation of focused and God-fearing leaders committed to national ideals and possessed of an authentic sense of service to God and to the fatherland,” he said.
He assured the military of government�s continued support in their effort to surmount challenges thrown up by the process of transformation that is presently going on in the armed forces, adding that the commitment of the armed forces in the face of challenges of consolidation of democracy and nation building were clear indication of the positive changes that had taken place in the army.
According to him, “as the Nigerian Army pursues its reform process, I am convinced that the result will be a more efficient, effective and productive force.
” I urge you to continue to be effective in the discharge of your constitutional responsibilities and global responsibilities.”
He said that he had observed with satisfaction efforts of the leadership of the military to reposition the armed forces to face the challenges of the 21st century and to function within a nation undergoing democratic consolidation.
According to the president, the colour presentation marked important milestone in the history of the Nigerian Army as it did not only keep alive an age old military tradition but also portrayed the ongoing revitalization in the army.
He described the colours as mark of loyalty, dedication and faith in the fatherland.
The colour presentation also featured presentation of NA medals of honour to current and past chiefs of army staff for their hard work, dedication and outstanding leadership quality.
That include Major-General C.B. Welby-Everard, Late Generals Aguiyi Ironsi, Yakubu Gowon, Hassan Usman Katsina, David Ejoor, T.Y. Danjuma and Akinrinade, Lieutenant-General G.S. Jalo, M.I. Wushishi, Ibrahim Babangida and late former head of state, Sani Abacha Others are Salihu Ibrahim, A. Mohammed, Chris Alli, Alwali Kazir, S.L.V. Malu, Alexander Ogomudia, Martin-Luther Agwai and the Chief Of Army Staff, Lieutenant-General Andrew Azazi.