Jonathan, others honour fallen heroes as Al-Makura tasks citizens on peace

PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan on Thursday led leaders of the legislature and judiciary, military and para-military organisations to honour Nigeria’s fallen heroes.

They performed the 2015 Armed Forces Remembrance Day wreath laying ceremony at the National Arcade, Abuja.

The 2015 Armed Forces Remembrance Day with the theme: “Appreciating The Nigerian Armed Forces,” started at 10am with the arrival of the president, who is also the Grand Patron of the Nigerian Legion.

Upon the arrival of the President, there was a general salute, rendition of the National Anthem and inspection of parade.

Prayers were offered for the repose of the souls of departed heroes and for peace, security and unity of the nation by Christian and Muslim clerics.

And from Lafia,  Gov. Umaru Al-Makura of Nasarawa State has urged people in the state to sustain the prevailing peace as the general elections in the country approached.

Al-Makura also promised to return all Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the state to their homes before the elections coming up in February.

He said that the government had made arrangement to provide building materials to the displaced persons to help them in rebuilding their homes.

Speaking at the 2015 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration on Thursday in Lafia, he expressed gratitude for the sacrifices made by the fallen heroes to ensure peace and unity in the country.

He challenged Nigerians, irrespective of affiliations, to honour the heroes by strengthening unity and tolerance in the country.

According to him, if Nigeria will remain one indivisible country, the responsibility of achieving that goal now rests on all the citizens regardless of status, religion, political or ethnic affiliation.

The governor commended security forces for ensuring the sanctity and sovereignty of Nigeria and challenged all citizens to consider the sweat of the founding fathers by imbibing selfless service in the interest of the nation.

“We must make conscious efforts towards building a lasting peace that will engender the desired development we all yearn for, “ he said.

He announced government’s donation of N 5 million each to the Nigerian Army and the Nigerian Legion in appreciation of their efforts at ensuring peace in the state. (NAN)