This piece is dedicated to members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria for the tremendous work they’ve been doing for several years to sustain national peace while defending the integrity of our dear nation. Before delving into the nitty–gritty of this tribute, I salute all peace-loving Nigerians for their endurance and patience in the fight against terror. And I say “Bravo Zulu” to all members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria for their dexterity and doggedness in their fight against terrorists.
Most importantly, I salute all members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria who have been at the frontline fighting religiously day and night to protect the integrity of this nation. I say “thank you” from a grateful heart. My heart goes to all families who have lost their loved ones- fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, sons and daughters – in the self-inflicted war on terror. All those who lost their lives in the country in an attempt to carry out their statutory duties are too numerous to be mentioned in this piece.
Most importantly, I salute all members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria who have been at the frontline fighting religiously day and night to protect the integrity of this nation.
We acknowledge with respect the services of our heroes – some of those we admire for their courage, and outstanding achievements coupled with noble qualities that have laid down their lives for us to live. Our heroes deserve to be honoured because they paid the supreme price to protect us all. Nigeria will be the land of the free only if it is the home of the brave. Nigeria has lost gallant officers and soldiers to the bullets of Boko Haram (BH) insurgents. War has its ugly side, even as civilians are not spared in the fight against terror. We have also lost many civilians to the bullets of kidnappers and bandits.
The Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day which comes on every 15th day of January is a time of sober reflection. It is a time to acknowledge and honour our fallen heroes, no matter where they lie in communities across the country.
We remember soldiers in the Army and Airforce, particularly shipmates who were lost in various military operations. In many ways, we commiserate with the families and friends of those who died in active military service. Some of our soldiers have lost their lives in peacekeeping operations. while the participation of our military in regional and sub-regional conflicts is a testament to self–sacrifice.
Starting from world wars to this day of insurgency, banditry, armed robbery and kidnapping across the country, thousands of Nigerian soldiers have died. Some soldiers have been maimed. Many civilians have been killed in the fighting.
Since the colonial period, Nigerian soldiers have found themselves in harm’s way to defend their nation and other countries with many never returning home.
You may wish to recall that for Sierra Leone and Liberia to have peace, it came at a price – it was bought by and paid for primarily by Nigerians and other African military officers and men. In both Liberia and Sierra Leone, Nigeria lost hundreds of men, not including those wounded and declared missing.
The Nigerian Civil War which many public intellectuals regard as a conflict of bitter dispute cost Nigeria the loss of about 100,000 military casualties. Sadly though, the country lost between 500,000 and two million Biafran civilians as a result of starvation, according to archival records. The Nigerian Civil War demonstrated the severe consequences of where stark irresoluble differences between belligerent parties can take our nation.
The nation’s military leaders at the end of the Civil War thought the Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day would help heal the wounds of the War. Can Nigerians ask themselves if the wounds inflicted on the warring sides have been healed? Have we learnt any lessons from the destruction of our nation and the loss of lives who paid the supreme sacrifice to build a better country for us?
This writer looks at a fairer and egalitarian society where peace, justice and equity will reign. A society where meritocracy will replace mediocrity. A society where the rule of law is strictly adhered to in order to have a thriving democracy. “You can’t skip justice and get to peace.” “True peace is not merely the absence of tension; it is the presence of justice,” according to a philosopher.
Irrespective of tribe, religion and political affiliations, Nigerians have chosen to honour their heroes every 15th of January and that was done last week. We must not forget that the Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day is far more personal to some families. For some families who have lost loved ones and can still hear their voices, the Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day is every day.
We should stand by these families and support them in their moments of grief as we honour their loved ones yearly. The fallen heroes have earned our endless gratitude – a debt that cannot be repaid to our heroic men and valiant women in service to our country.
Beyond the fanfare of this year’s Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day, let us try to put our differences aside and come together as a people to honour the sacrifices of those who fought gallantly and bravely in order to preserve the peace and stability of our nation.
We should show greater attributes of a people bound together in freedom, peace and unity. We owe it to our heroes, we owe it to ourselves and we owe it to future generations who will still benefit from their sacrifices in years to come. Finally, please permit me to draw the curtain here by praying to God to protect the citizens and members of our Armed Forces of Nigeria as well as their families. We pray for their families to be preserved as the nation provides a support system to secure, uplift and edify those who have been left behind to raise children by themselves. Long live the Armed Forces of Nigeria! Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria! Thank you.
MA Johnson, Rear Admiral (Rtd)
