Jonathan Announces Plans To Create Special Brigade

Posted by African Examiner Latest Headlines, News Sunday, September 14th, 2014

From Ganiyu Nasirudeen

President Goodluck Jonathan has announced plans by the Federal Government to create special forces brigade to wage war against the raging terrorism in the country.

This was disclosed Saturday at the passing out parade of Officer Cadets of the 61 Regular Course and Short Service Course 42 (Army) at the Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna.

President Jonathan informed that the incoming brigade when established would confront and tackle threats to the environment and align the Armed Forces to citizens’ protection and national defence.

Mr. President pledged to honour Armed Forces personnel who might die in the course of the efforts to safeguard the country, adding that the idea of the new brigade force was to stall the rampaging insurgents menace in some parts of the country.

While commending the courage of the military in the face of the war, Jonathan stated the welfare and safety of the brigades would be under the military’s command and must be given necessary priority.

He hailed the supportive role of the female cadets of the Armed Forces.

“I am fulfilled by my decision to permit regular combatant training for female cadets and I urge these amazons to remain steadfast and determined, serving as models of inspiration to younger women,” President Jonathan stressed.

He also paid tribute to the officers and men who sacrificed their lives to defend the sovereignty of the country, thereby announced special honours for them.

In view of this, Mr President said: “Our nation will not abandon you. We are standing with you,” he told the soldiers, stressing, “On this special occasion, I am directing the Chief of Defence Staff and the Service Chiefs to institute special honours for our men in uniform who lose their lives in active service. On no account must our country abandon those who serve her loyally, and paid the supreme price. This honour is to ensure that their memories and service live with us and our nation forever.”

Meanwhile, President Jonathan has commiserated with the family of late Brigadier-General Benjamin Adekunle who died yesterday.

Mr. President in a press statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati said he joined his family and other Nigerians in mourning the very courageous soldier who achieved national fame during the Nigerian civil war for his gallant leadership of the 3rd Marine Commandoes in the successful effort to defend the unity and territorial integrity of the country.

Jonathan held that late General Adekunle’s civil war heroics, which made him easily one of the most celebrated military commanders of his generation, was a key factor why he would always be honoured and remembered as a “valiant soldier who served his fatherland exceptionally well at a very trying time in its history”.

The President therefore enjoined family and former military colleagues of the Black Scorpion’s as he was otherwise referred, to give thanks to God for blessing the nation with fearless soldiers and patriots of “his calibre who stood ready to lay down their lives for the peace, unity and progress of their country”.