Governor Abdullahi Adamu has commended the virtues and ideals of
Nigeria’s fallen heroes. Governor Adamu made this declaration during
ceremonies commemorating this year's Armed Forces Remembrance Day
celebrations in Lafia.
The Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebrations are an annual ritual
scheduled to remember Nigerian soldiers who lost their lives in various
military expeditions. This year’s celebrations were marked in all state
capitals and Abuja.
Addressing the gathering at the Lafia parade ground, Governor Adamu urged
everybody to use the occasion to rekindle the nationalistic instincts in all
Nigerians. He said this requires a high sense of patriotism in elected
leaders at all levels who must conduct themselves in ways that preserve and
consolidate the new democratic institutions in the country.
Continuing,
Governor Adamu said "it is pertinent on this occasion to call on politicians
especially in Nasarawa State to show maturity in their conduct and
pronouncements, especially as we approach 2003. Recent developments in the
state call for close examination by all of us. Even before the whistle is
blown for electioneering activities, we have witnessed repeated immature
pronouncements and actions which tend to portray us as incapable of peaceful
and orderly conduct of our political pursuits."
Governor Adamu advised politicians not to allow thuggery and slander to
replace dedication to issues and mature debate in politics. We must respect
our esteemed positions and remember that we are not just partisan
politicians in the eyes of our people, they also look up to us as role
models. He therefore appealed to all to take it easy and stick to the basic
norms and principles of civility even as we compete for the attention of the
electorate and for various offices and opportunities in the polity to serve
our people.
A colourful parade mounted by men of the Guard’s battalion, Keffi and
members of the Nigerian Legion marked the occasion.
The Deputy Governor, Professor Onje Gye-Wado, members of the state
security and executive councils, traditional rulers and top government
officials attended the ceremonies.
