Heroes are those rare individuals who make history, and they are stars in their own rights depending on the lens used in gazing at their contributions to the society. They are civilians or military personnel-serving or retired, too numerous to mention. Heroes emerge through the paths they choose, not the powers they are blessed with. At the beginning of his account of the Peloponnesian War, Thucydides, the Athenian historian and general, was of the view that historical enquiry should restrict itself to contemporary events which can be verified by direct observation. He practised what he preached as he served in the Athenian Army, and wrote about what he had experienced. The great Roman leader Julius Caesar recorded the earliest known version of the proverb, “experience is teacher of all things.”This article is borne out of the writer’s experience in the military as a retired two-star admiral. If you have not served the country through the military, you may not appreciate the sacrifices made by military officers, soldiers, airmen/airwomen, naval ratings and their respected families.
On 15 January 2019, Nigeria celebrated the Armed Forces Remembrance Day across the country. A day of remembrance and recognition of the sacrifices made by our fallen heroes, retired military personnel and those currently serving. In keeping with the best tradition, this writer joins other Nigerians to pray for the repose of the souls of those who lost their lives in service so that Nigeria will be a peaceful country for us to live. We wish families and relatives of our fallen heroes God’s inestimable grace and the fortitude to bear the loss of their loved ones. As we celebrate all our heroes for their contributions to nation building, may the souls of innocent citizens whose blood have been shed for no just cause rest in peace.
For many decades, Nigerians have been praying to almighty God so that the labour of our past heroes shall not be in vain. The prayer has become necessary as we live in a peaceful but dangerous country. The country is dangerous due to numerous security challenges. The situation is such that most Nigerians are alert during the day, and they sleep at night with one of their eyes closed. Only those who have lost their loved ones to insurgency, kidnapping, militancy and herdsmen attack amongst other crimes will bear testimony to this assertion. Yet, most killers have not been arrested, tried and convicted in accordance with extant laws. This exposes the weaknesses inherent in Nigeria’s security structure and criminal justice system.
Notwithstanding the weaknesses in Nigeria’s security structure and criminal justice system, the services and sacrifices of our military veterans have brought relative peace to many parts of the country. That is why Nigerians must celebrate and honour our heroes every day for their profound contribution to securing the country’s territorial integrity. On the part of government, it must ensure that the welfare and training of serving military personnel is given the attention it deserves. Why, you may ask? The life of a military personnel in active service is dedicated to duty in its supreme form. The first layer of duty is to the country, and this is followed by duty to the armed forces.
The list is endless. However, on recruitment of officers and men into the armed forces, there is the attestation to serve dutifully without any bias and be prepared to pay the supreme price of death if occasion demands. This writer thinks that Nigeria has only few leaders and followers who are faithful, loyal and honest to the unity of Nigeria anytime he reflects on each line of The National Pledge. While some citizens are fanning embers of discord, there are a few who are willing, ready and always prepared to truly defend Nigeria’s unity and uphold the nation’s honour and glory. While some Nigerians are determined to make things work, others are determined to pull down the country. Nigeria is our country, and no nation-developed or developing- will help us build our own country if we choose to destroy it.At this stage of our national life, all Nigerians are implored to be patriotic. We all need to be faithful, loyal and honest to our country of almost 200 million people.
Why are gun-wielding herdsmen slaughtering farmers and other innocent citizens without being arrested and prosecuted for several years? Why are the Niger Delta militants determined to launch deadly attacks on oil facilities? Who are those inducing these young men to sabotage the nation’s economy? There are conspiracy theories expressed by concerned Nigerians that some powerful people in our society are determined not to make things work in the country. But for divine intervention, the country was almost turned into an arena where a cow was almost equal to hundreds of human lives. This cannot be our collective aspiration as a people.
Anyone who has studied the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria with its limitations will know that there is no aspect of the Constitution where it was expressly stated that animals have equal rights with Nigerian citizens. One is yet to see any civilized nation where animals have either equal or superior status to human beings. Life in all animals is a gift of God. But human beings are superior to all animals. So, who owns the cows and sophisticated guns used by notorious herdsmen? Who are the sponsors of militants, kidnappers, bandits, insurgents and other criminals in our society? These are tough questions demanding truthful answers. Protection of lives and properties is one of the social responsibilities of any government towards its citizens. All citizens are to obey the laws of the country. As Nigeria remembers her fallen heroes, the welfare of those who have retired and serving must be given the attention it deserves. While necessary steps must be taken to take care of families they left behind. Let’s join our hands together to build a peaceful and prosperous nation. God bless Nigeria!
MA Johnson
