Rivers Governor, Nyesom Wike has for the first time applauded President Muhammadu Buhari for his sustained war against Boko Haram, bandits and other terrorists in the country.

The Governor spoke at the Government House, Port Harcourt after the wreath laying ceremony to mark the 2023 Armed Forces Remembrance Day at the Isaac Boro Park on Sunday.

Wike said the best legacies Buhari could leave for the country were the restoration of peace in all troubled geopolitical zones and free and fair elections in February and March.

The Governor said: “I commend our President, General Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, for his sustained efforts at defeating the Boko Haram insurgents and bandits terrorizing and destroying our communities in parts of our country.

“The restoration of peace to our troubled geo-political regions and the conduct of free and fair general elections are the best legacies you can live for our country,” he added.

He recalled that a few years after independence, the Armed Forces fought and quelled the civil war that broke out and lasted for three gruesome years.

He said since then, there had been hardly a year when members of the armed forces were not assigned to a bloody combat mission either within or outside the country.

Wike said the armed forces had also been at war with Boko Haram and other insurgents in the Northwest and Northeast of the country for over 10 years and the “unknown gunmen” in the Southeast of the country.

The Governor noted that the goals of all well-meaning leaders should be the sustenance of one country and building a fairer, more inclusive and just society.

The Governor insisted that he would continue to pray for President Buhari and other leaders to succeed in their mission and commitments.

He said: “As leaders, our goal must be one Nigeria, one destiny, and the challenges of building a more fair, inclusive and just society are not beyond us. Therefore, I will not relent in my prayers to God to enable Mr President and other leaders of our country to succeed in our mission and commitments to our country.”

Wike said that a grateful country would honour her armed forces’ extraordinary bravery and courage during their service and the sacrifices of their families for the common good.

Wike recommended that persons suffering from various health challenges, including post-traumatic stress disorders, should have the best healthcare and attention from the public purse.

He said the State Government had redeemed N50m pledge it made during the emblem appeal fund lunch.

The Governor also donated N100m on behalf of the state for the economic empowerment of the veteran servicemen. (The Nation)

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