Diri canvasses improved welfare for Armed Forces

Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, yesterday, canvassed better funding and equipping of the Nigerian Armed Forces, insisting that this would motivate the military to end insurgency and insecurity in the country.

Diri stated this during the interdenominational service to mark the 2021 Armed Forces Remembrance Day at Government House, Yenagoa. 

A statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Daniel Alabrah, quoted the governor as saying that January 15 every year was set aside to remember fallen heroes of the first and second world wars, as well as the Nigerian civil war.

He noted that members of the society needed to also do better in respecting the lives of security personnel just as they honour the memories of fallen soldiers. 

“The Federal Government is spending so much, but we believe that they can spend more in terms of equipment and better welfare for the personnel. Government should review the security situation in the country and accord it the priority it deserves. 

“For me, it is a day to call upon the federal and state governments to review what we do anthe d ensure that as leaders, justice and equity should be our watchword.

“Much of the insurrection, the violence and the conflicts in Nigeria today are avoidable if only we respect justice and equity,” he said.

He saluted ex-servicemen that had gone through horrible experiences and thanked God for keeping them alive to witness another Armed Forces Remembrance Day.

Governor Diri said their sacrifices and service to the nation, which include paying the supreme price, would not be in vain as his government would always recognise and celebrate them. 

In his sermon, Chaplain of the King of Glory Chapel, Pastor David Yala, admonished personnel of the Armed Forces to realise that their mission was not for self-recognition, but of service to the nation. 

Citing the late Major Isaac Adaka-Boro’s struggle for the Niger Delta people, the cleric charged armed security personnel to be passionate about protecting life and property for their names to be written in the sands of time.

Wife of the governor, Gloria Diri, Deputy Governor, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, Speaker, State House of Assembly, Abraham Ingobere and other lawmakers from the state and National Assembly as well as the Chief Judge, Mrs. Kate Abiri, among others, attended the event.