FG reiterates support for military to win war against terrorism

President Goodluck Jonathan on Saturday in Abuja, reiterated Federal Government’s commitment to support Nigerian troops to win the war against terrorism in the North-East of the country.

Jonathan, represented by Mr Edem Duke, Minister of Culture, Tourism and National Orientation, restated the commitment at a “March to Support Nigerian Troops” organised by the Support Our Troops Foundation, an NGO.

“I will want to join our voices with the armed forces’ to say that never again will territories that we have recovered from the insurgents be yielded to them.

“That is the pledge of the armed forces; we stand with them in the air, on ground and in sea and on every theatre where they have expressed faith in Nigeria.

“We take cognizance of the fact that even beyond the shores of Nigeria we have citizens from Cameroon and other parts of Africa who have led similar marches in support of our men.

“I, therefore, call on Nigerians wherever they are to replicate this expression of support’’, he said.

Jonathan said the several decades that the armed forces crisscrossed the world to help bring peace to other parts of Africa and beyond had been proven in the country.

The president said the training and commitment of the armed forces were total, especially as it concerned the territorial integrity of the country.

He said the armed forces should not expect to see 170 million Nigerians drum their support for them noting however, that those who took part in the march past represented the entire country.

He said Nigerians were grateful to the armed forces from the depth of their hearts.

The President called on Nigerian media to always report the successes recorded by the armed forces.

The Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh, thanked Nigerians for the outpouring of encomiums through calls, media reports and other means on the efforts to stamp out terrorism.

Badeh, represented by the Director of Defence Information, Maj-.Gen Chris Olukolade, said the military was grateful to “Support our Troops Foundation’’ for the show of solidarity.

“Your effort today and the words of support and encouragement from the public without doubt, showed that Nigerians appreciate our commitment and sacrifice in ensuring that we end terrorism in our country.

“We can only but reassure you that your support will continue to spur us into action until those forces of darkness are decimated.

“We, therefore, call on Nigerians to sustain this support and encouragement because it is such assurances of solidarity and togetherness that will ultimately lead to total and irreversible victory.”

Mr Femi Adesila, a member of the NGO, explained that the foundation was a nongovernmental, non-profit organisation committed to entrenching the culture of citizens’ support for the armed forces.

He said the foundation sought to provide a platform to appreciate and encourage the officers and men of the armed forces by Nigerian citizens.

Earlier, the Founder of the Support our Troops Foundation, Mrs Funmi Ogbue said the march was to encourage the troops by assuring them of the nation’s support.

“We all appreciate the work of the armed forces and hope that this march will boost your morale.”