Independence: Defence Minister salutes Nigerians as Nigeria clocks 61

Maj. Gen. Bashir Salihi Magashi

The Minister of Defence Maj. Gen. Bashir Salihi Magashi (rtd) has assured Nigerians of the total commitments of President Muhammadu Buhari-led government to the wellbeing of entire citizenry in the face of numerous challenges posing threat to the nation’s peace and unity.

The minister stated this in a message marking the country’s 61st independence anniversary celebrations stressing that President Buhari has ensured that the nation is deeply rooted on grounds in a bid to curb the incessant internal security challenges.

Gen. Magashi said: “I strongly believe that the vision, sweat and struggle of our nation’s foundling fathers to emplace a politically robust, peaceful and economically viable entity are yielding dividends worthy of celebration at over six decades of our nationhood.

“Buhari’s dogged leadership style of probity, incorruptibility, transparency and accountability in governance has further attested to my assertion as we mark  Africa’s most populous nation’s independence anniversary.

“Fellow compatriots, I urge you and indeed entire Nigerians irrespective of our callings, political affiliations and associations to join the moving-trains of building a virile nation as envisioned by our forefathers.

He further stressed that, “The Commander-In-Chief of Nigeria Armed Forces, His Excellency,  President Muhammadu Buhari (GCFR) is resolutely dogged in defending the nation’s territorial integrity against all anti-Nigeria’s forces and we have patriotic civil responsibility of complimenting government’s efforts towards achieving lasting peace and prosperity for our dear nation.

“Even in the euphoria of celebration, let us pray for our heroes past, our leaders and our gallant military personnel who are fighting vigorously for the just-course of keeping Nigeria united and prosperous.”

The minister therefore urged Nigeians to remain resolute and committed to the unity of Nigeria stressing that, “In our collective resolve to sustain national peaceful co-existence, unity in diversity as indivisible entity, I say long live Federal Republic of Nigeria and happy Independence anniversary celebrations to you all.”