Irabor said: “Democracy has come to stay; a government of the people, by the people and for the people has come to stay. That is an assurance.”
On soldiers’ involvement in the election, he added: “I have been discussing with the IG (Inspector-General of Police).
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“We’ve also made contingencies should we be required to give support to the police as the election is conducted.
“Rest assured that the Armed Forces remain solidly behind the police to give them all the support as required.”
Irabor emphasised that the remembrance day was not for mourning.
He said: “It is the day that we need to give thanks to God; that men and women of this great nation once served, are serving and will continue to serve this country.
“We have that level of love for the country; that men and women have committed to and, if need be, sacrifice their lives so that the rest of us can live. I think it’s a worthwhile thing.
“So, today, it’s quite a very unique day, that the nation has set it aside to value, to place a premium on the services and honouring the services of men or women of our great country.
“Of course, going forward, the fact that one has been appreciated motivates one, and I think that is the message that has gone across the length and breadth of the members of the Armed Forces.
“So, we’re more motivated to continue to play our part.
“The veterans should also know that their services are not in vain.”
The widow of a fallen Air Force Officer, Mrs Cynthia Ngozi Ubah, called for speedy processing of the life insurance benefits and other entitlements due to the families.
Ubah is the widow of Victor Ubah, a Nigerian Air Force Squadron Leader, who was killed in an ambush during a joint operation in Kebbi State on July 7, 2021.
Although she received the benefits due her within one month of her husband’s demise, she said other families have not been so fortunate.
She said: “It is taking a while to compensate some of the families.
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“Before, it used to take a shorter while. Now? Families have to wait, keep waiting and keep calling.
“Mine didn’t take time, thankfully. But I have seen others in this situation and they’ve been complaining that it has taken them a very long time. Mine was between a month and two.
“But for some, it’s stretching to nine months to a year now, which is not telling well on them.
“But I believe they (the military) are doing their best. Hopefully, they get to settle these people.”
She said the remembrance ceremony was a message to her and the families of other slain personnel that their loved ones did not die in vain.
President Buhari earlier led other senior members of the government to the Wreath Laying Ceremony, marking the climax of this year’s Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration.
The event, which honours the memory of the nation’s fallen heroes, is marked across the country every year, involving a series of activities, including religious services, parades and wreath-laying ceremonies.
The President, who arrived at the National Arcade at 10:05 am, was immediately ushered onto the saluting dais for the National Salute.
He also inspected the guards of honour, accompanied by the Commander, Brigade of Guards, Major General Muhammad Takuti Usman, after which he proceeded to the cenotaph for the wreath-laying ceremony.
Other dignitaries who laid wreaths were Vice President Yemi Osinbajo; Senate President Ahmad Lawan; Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila; and the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Olukayode Ariwoola.
The Nation