Osinbajo Restates FG’s Commitment To Defend Nigeria’s Territorial Integrity

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has reiterated the government’s responsibility, through the armed forces, to defend the territorial integrity of the country.

In his remarks at the 2018 Armed Forces and Remembrance Day Service in Abuja, Osinbajo also said the government had the burden to defend the peoples’ rights of existence, religion and other human rights.

He, however, noted that some of the rights had in recent times, been challenged by the criminal group Boko Haram, which had killed and maimed innocent people including women and children.

According to him, the Armed Forces of the country have lost personnel in various battles to keep the country together, leaving behind widows and children who the populace should cater for.

The Vice President noted that the country had experienced various attacks and killings in various communities and noted that President Muhammadu Buhari had directed the security agencies to deal with those involved.

He said that the tension in the country was further fueled by the politicisation of many issues and cautioned that politics should not be allowed to add to the existing problems of the country.

“We  have sworn to defend the poor and the helpless; the Armed Forces represent the bastion of the country’s unity.

“Our nation today stands as one to honour the fallen heroes,’’ Osinbajo declared.

The Vice President added that as Christians, those who attended the service should live according to the demands of their faith to preach the gospel of Christ not only in words but in action.

According to him, the gospel preaches sacrifice, repaying evil with good, avoiding vengeance and also reminds the faithful that no battle is theirs and that vengeance belongs to God.

“We have to preach the gospel of self-sacrifice that has changed the world, the sacrificial love that the Lord has shown by shedding His blood to save humanity,’’ Osinbajo stated.

The Vice President prayed that the bloodletting in the country should cease and predicted that the country will thrive economically.

“We must work together as Nigerians to build a prosperous and united nation,’’ he said.