As part of activities marking this year’s independence day celebration, millions of Nigerian youths and civil society organisations under the aegis of Rising-Up for a United Nigeria (RUN) on Monday converged at the Unity Fountain, Abuja for this year’s Independence Day rally.
The youths thanked God for keeping Nigeria as one united and prosperous nation over the years even in the face of damning insecurity, threats to national unity, and the country’s territorial integrity which the Nigerian Army has continuously acted with patriotic zeal and professionalism to curtail at any given time including the horrible incidences of banditry, kidnapping, and terrorism that almost crushed the nation.
The Convener of the RUN, Amb. Solomon Adodo alongside the President of Civil Society and Youth Groups, Rt. Hon. Mike Msuaan speaking amidst the enthusiastic crowd, praised the Chief of Army Staff Maj Gen TA Lagbaja and other security Chiefs for their unwavering commitment to restoring peace. They commended the Nigerian Army for its relentless efforts in putting an end to the incessant cases of insecurity that have plagued the nation.
“We admire particularly, the Chief of Army for his professional conduct and gallant leadership which has helped to boost the morale of officers and men of the Nigerian Army in different operational theatres across the nation. On this auspicious occasion, we must remember the tireless efforts of our military especially the Nigerian Army in sustaining our democracy in the midst of perilous times including a bloody civil war. The current Chief of Army Staff, Maj Gen TA Lagbaja has been remarkable in restoring relative calm and decimating all security threats across the country especially in the South East where criminal elements hiding under the banner of IPOB have destabilised the region for their selfish reasons.”
The youth particularly heaped encomiums on the Chief of Defence Staff, Maj Gen CG Musa, for excellently coordinating all military operations across board and performing oversight functions leading to remarkable success in flushing out criminal hideouts. “Maj Gen. CG Musa’s leadership has instilled discipline and significantly boosted the morale of our armed forces, setting an example for the entire West African subregion, where some renegade soldiers and commanders have aborted democracies and truncated the will of the people” remarked the youth leaders.
Also in giving honour to whom honour is due, the youth groups extended their appreciation to the Nigerian Police Force for their exceptional professionalism in maintaining internal security. They acknowledged “the police’s proactive approaches that have contributed to Nigeria’s relative freedom from crime including petty thievery and organised crime syndicates that are always evolving and becoming sinister by the day”.
The Department of State Security (DSS) also received accolades from the Convener of RUN for their efforts in obtaining, coordinating, and sharing credible intelligence crucial to upholding national security and safeguarding the presidency. “The central role played by the DSS especially that of tirelessly gathering intelligence and sharing same with sister security agencies in a professional and timely manner has helped to deter and prevent crimes of national security proportion and it’s a feat that can’t go unnoticed”.
As youth friendly president, Nigerian youths have always identified with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. In keeping with this tradition, the youths through Amb. Solomon Adodo and Hon. Mike Msuaan unanimously lauded Mr.President for steering the nation in the right direction with his commendable policies and initiatives. “We trust in Mr. President’s commitment to delivering excellent dividends of democracy to the masses. No amount of distractions or witch-hunt from the opposition should deter him,” the group declared, underscoring their unwavering support for the administration.
As the euphoria of Nigeria’s 63rd Independence Day celebration wears off, the gains made in the area of fighting insecurity and stabilising the economy under the present administration are commendable achievements that the Nigerian youth under RUN would want to identify with and partner with the federal government to ensure their sustenance. We are confident that Nigeria under the leadership of President Tinubu and the credible team he has assembled in the military, security, economy and all other sectors of national life will help to overcome the challenges we face at the moment and forge a path toward a secure and prosperous future.
