President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua yesterday said the situation in the Niger Delta region has remained a nightmare starring his 16 month old administration in the face. He said the crisis in the oil producing areas is scaring away potential investors to the country.
Speaking at the Passing Out Parade (POP) of the officer cadets of the 56th Regular Course of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Kaduna, the president, who was represented by his deputy, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, said “the Niger Delta situation continues to be a major concern facing this government.”
“While acknowledging the challenges facing the people of the Niger Delta, we must not allow the activities of a few criminal minds to create a permanent state of insecurity in the region, destroy the economy and scare away investors,” he said.
The President also praised efforts of the military in international peace operation and assured that his administration would continue to meet the legitimate needs of the Armed Forces within the limits of available resources.
According to him, his administration would continue to spare no effort in ensuring a virile and truly professional Armed Forces in the country.
The president appealed to the military to remain faithful to their oath of allegiance and avoid acts that may endanger democracy in particular, and the nation generally.
“The Military is a beacon of hope that with right leadership we will achieve the overall objective. Government will continue to meet the legitimate needs of the Armed Forces within the limits of available resources. We will spare no effort towards ensuring a virile and truly professional Armed Forces.
“This involves the provision of necessary logistics while simultaneously pursuing, with greater vigour, the outgoing training and retraining efforts.
“But I must commend the Armed Forces for its roles in international peace support operations worldwide, and aid to civil authority during internal security operations.
“I urge you all to remain faithful to your oath of allegiance and avoid acts that may endanger our democracy and indeed, our Nation,” he said.
Also, the President commended the support, patience and perseverance of Nigerians since the 2007 elections and said maturity with which the issue of the last election was handled is worthy of commendation.
“This is true testimony of our resilience when compared with similar events in some of our sister 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,” he said.
The President also urged Nigerians to participate and contribute fully to the on-going debate to enhance the report of the panel, the result of which he pledged, would be made public.
To the graduating cadets, Yar’Adua urged them to “strive to maintain the high standard you have achieved and the goodwill of all Nigerians.”
The President further reminded the graduands that “as you join your respective units on posting, I enjoin you to be disciplined and focused. You have chosen a highly demanding but respected and noble profession.”
About 198 cadets made up of the Army, Air Force and the Navy passed out yesterday. The Academy has produced 14,689 officers, including 447 foreigners from other African countries since 1964 when it was established.
Among dignitaries at the occasion were former Military Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Alhaji Yayale Ahmed, former army and defence chief, Lt-Gen. T.Y Danjuma (rtd), Kaduna State Governor, Alhaji Namadi Sambo and a host of others
Oct52008