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Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has said the survival and unity of Nigeria depends, to a large extent, on the contributions of her retired soldiers – the Legions.
The governor, who spoke yesterday, at the Sam Mbakwe Executive Council Chambers, during the launch of the 2024 Armed Forces Remembrance emblem ahead of the January 15, 2024 Armed Forces Remembrance Day, however, called on the political class not to play politics with the bombing error that recently took place in Kaduna State.
Governor Uzodimma said since the Nigerian military had briefed the nation and explained that the incident was an error, the right thing to do is for Nigerians to see the ugly incident as such, as no human being is free from making mistakes.
He explained that every profession comes with its own hazards and challenges, noting that even the soldiers. in the course of their duty, lose their lives, in some cases, by making mistakes that are avoidable.
“No one is perfect, and it is only God that is perfect. I think we all should rise to pray to God to always continue to intercede to get the insecurity in Nigeria to abate.”
The governor appealed to Nigerians to be part of the efforts to soothe the pain the ugly incident caused the Kaduna State indigenes, particularly as the event happened not long after the presidential election in the country took place, rather than the recourse to politics.
Governor Uzodimma acknowledge the contributions of the military towards the unity of Nigeria and expressed happiness that, over the years, they have not disappointed the country.
He congratulated the Nigerian Armed Forces for the events that culminated into the January 15 celebration and asked that they be supported in a way that the serving ones will be motivated to serve better.
On the side of his government, the governor promised to continue to support them. He acknowledged that the Legion needed a befitting secretariat in Imo, and immediately directed the state’s Commissioner for Women Affairs and Vulnerable Groups, Lady (Mrs.) Nkechi Ugwu, to liaise with the leadership of the group to begin the process.
Governor Uzodimma also promised to give the retired soldiers an operational vehicle, in addition to directing the Head of Service to liaise with heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies on how best to engage the retired soldiers, who are still active in security services in Imo State. The governor further called on the private sector to contribute to the development of the Legion’s projects in the state.
Earlier, the Legion’s Chairman in Imo State, Anyanwu Alphonsus, thanked the governor for his numerous assistance to them over the years and expressed gratitude on behalf of his members.
Anyanwu reminded the governor that they intended to establish a farm, called Legion Farm, and requested for land and financial support.
