President Muhammadu Buhari says he understands the challenges facing the Nigerian military as himself is one of them.

Speaking in Abuja on Monday during the 2018 Armed Forces Remembrance Day, Buhari reflected on the “tragic” Civil War of 1967 to 1970, and urged the people never again to allow such happen.

He assured the military of his administration’s commitment to their welfare as a way of rewarding them for their gallantry, loyalty and dedication to the country.

He charged them not to rest on their oars but to continue giving their best to protect the territorial integrity of the nation, as that would be the perfect way “to honour the memory of our distinguished veterans who paid the supreme sacrifice to keep the country united”.

Buhari explained that the Armed Forces Remembrance Day is usually held every November 11 in other commonwealth countries, but was fixed for every January 15 in Nigeria “to commemorate the end of the Nigerian civil war – a war that was fought to keep Nigeria one”.

“We must therefore cast our minds back at the events that led to the civil war, the immense human capital loss of the tragic war, and resolve that never again shall we allow our dear nation by our actions or inaction to experience another war,” he said.

“I appreciate your display of unparalleled loyalty to the country and dedication to duty. Being one of you, I understand what you have to undergo. This administration will continue to do all within its power and resources to ensure that your welfare is adequately catered for.

“As a government we desire to improve the capability of our Armed Forces. I am glad that our efforts are yielding positive results already in boosting the morale of men and women of the Armed Forces.

“We will continue to engage them in training and retraining to improve on their capacity to discharge their constitutional roles.”

TALK IS CHEAP, WAR IS EXPENSIVE

In Anambra State, Willie Obiano, Governor of the State, urged the citizens to desist from utterances capable of causing breakdown of law and order, stressing that “talk is cheap but war is expensive”.

He also used the opportunity to thank members of the security agencies for their efforts in the November 2017 governorship election and the January 13 senatorial re-run.