President urges military to join in building a new nation
President Muhammadu Buhari has assured Nigerians that he would administer the country with honesty and fairness towards salvation and prosperity.The President gave the assurance at the weekend at palace of the Emir of Daura, Dr. Farouk Umar Farouk, where he participated in the breaking of the Ramadan fast in line with the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
Buhari, who was joined at the event by Governor of Katsina State, Aminu Bello Masari and his Zamfara counterpart, Abdulaziz Yari Abubakar, said all segments of the country under his watch would be treated fairly without any other consideration.
His words: “Issues and situations will be considered objectively and no action will be taken for or against any section of the country on the basis of prejudice.”
He, therefore, called for support and understanding of Nigerians as he strives to rebuild the country fairly, honestly and responsibly.In another development, the President has asked the Armed Forces to produce elite corps, including professionals, that would join the Federal Government in building a new nation anchored on high values, integrity and diligence.
He said this in an address to the new graduands of the College of Senior Course 38 of the Armed Forces Command and Staff College (AFCSC), Jaji in Kaduna State at the weekend, describing the Armed Forces as the most visible symbol of national unity and cohesion in the country.
According to the President: “One of the most profound dangers to our democracy and freedom lies in the divisive application of our ethnic and religious diversities. As defenders of the nation’s territorial integrity, we must resist and reject ethno-centricism and religious intolerance. These evils threaten our very existence as a sovereign and indivisible nation.
“Therefore, to build the new Nigeria, we need a new tribe. A tribe of men and women of all faiths, tribe and ethnicities, diverse, but firmly committed to a country run on high values of integrity hardwork, justice and love of the country.
“Our nation at this time needs elite consisting of professionals from the military, businessmen, politicians, religious leaders and all others who believe that a new Nigeria is possible. Nigeria needs men and women from the Armed Forces who are prepared to make the sacrifices and self-constraints that are crucial to strong society.
“This nation needs elite who are prepared to stick together, fight corruption and other national ills side by side. An elite who insists on justice even where our friends are at the receiving end.
“Our society is more complex and our world is more difficult than ever before. The nature of warfare is also vastly different, consequently, the officer of today cannot just be soldier in any event, as being in the military today requires more than just carrying weapons.”The officer must be a public intellectual of sorts, a thinker, versatile, dynamic and capable of introspection.”
At the event also attended by the Deputy Governor SSG and speaker of the Katsina State Assembly and many Traditional title holders, special prayers were offered for peace, unity, stability and sustainable development of the country.
