…Restates commitment to national cohesion, Southeast inclusiveness
The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has joined eminent Nigerians in celebrating the 70th birthday of former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Onyeabo Azubuike Ihejirika (Rtd).
The birthday celebration was marked by a public lecture themed “Leading Nigeria Forward: Strategies for Security and National Cohesion,” held at the International Conference Center in Umuahia, Abia State.
In his address, the President, represented by the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Kingsley Udeh, lauded Ihejirika as “a patriot, pan Nigerian, fine gentleman, and a courageous general who served Nigeria as Chief of Army Staff at a very turbulent period in the war against insurgency, and acquitted himself very creditably”.
President Tinubu wished General Ihejirika “a very happy birthday on behalf of the Government and good people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria”.
“Dear General, may God continue to keep and grant you good health so that our nation will continue to draw from your fountain of experience and knowledge, especially in our determined fight against insecurity”, Tinubu said.
The President, through the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Kingsley Udeh, also reiterated his stance that the South East remains critical to his administration’s vision of achieving a $1 trillion economy by 2030. He noted that this commitment is evident in the approval of $3 billion for the completion of the 2,044 km Eastern Rail Line and $508 million for the upgrade and modernization of infrastructure in Nigeria’s Eastern ports.
“Your sense of industry, your presence, and your prosperity in every part of Nigeria bear testimony to your commitment to nationhood. We will continue to provide a level playing field for all Nigerians to actualize their potential and, by so doing, grow our economy.
“Our administration will continue to build the necessary infrastructure and partner with South East governments to realize the strategic interests of the region. We see this in the recent concession of the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, the airport project at Usulu in Isiala Ngwa Local Government Area, and the establishment of the South East Development Commission,” he explained.
He reaffirmed his commitment to the decentralization of the nation’s policing system by reintroducing subnational policing, as existed in the First Republic.
He also assured the people that his government will continue to give every part of the country a sense of belonging in shaping the nation’s security architecture, which can bolster national cohesion.
He concluded by calling for national unity: “Let us not be divided by something God has designed to enrich our heritage as a people. Only by uniting can we strengthen cohesion, defeat insecurity, and build the Nigeria of our dreams.”
his speech, Governor Alex Otti said that the former Chief of Army Staff is a symbol of courage, sacrifice and bravery in his services to Abia and Nigeria at large, pointing out that his administration appointed Ihejirika as the Chairman, Abia State security council.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen Waidi Shaibu who was represented by the Chief of Standard and Evaluation, Nigerian Army, Maj.Gen. Thompson Ugiagbe, said Ihejirika’s services contributed to the national security, and urged the residents of the South-East to support the Army in securing the land.
Also speaking, Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa said he gained a lot of experience from Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika.
PACESETTER reports that Gov. Alex Otti of Abia State; the Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (Rtd), and his Works counterpart, Engr. Dave Umahi, were among dignitaries present at the event.