Reflecrions on 2021 Armed Forces Celebration in Obudu Cross River State

Col. Agba-Attah Rtd, the Patron of the Obudu Branch of the Nigerian Legion, bared his mind in reflection to the yearly Remembrance Exercise as it was in Obudu and duely applicable to all the 774 Local Government Area Councils of the Nigerian Nation in recognition and respect to the Ex-Servicemen (Veterants) who meritoriously served their fatherland and some paid supreme prices/sacrifice for such services.

15th January yearly, is set aside to celebrate this unique Heroes changed from former 911 due to respect for Civil War in Nigeria which was historically brought to an end on 15th January, 1970. Course 21 Rtd. Col, who served the Nation for 30 years, posited to the CAPITAL POST on the successful outing as it was captured in Obudu, where he and the Vice Chairman of Obudu Council officiated. He noted that the Veterants with wealth of experience acquired from the war and Nigeria Military Operations in various position, Rank and File, should be highly utilized to tap from their acquired expertise as to contribute their enormous security knowledge to challenges, being experienced that appear insummountable now in Nigeria.

According to the Nigerian Legion Patron, the adage that “Old Soldiers Never Die” holds sways is needful as an advocacy that will be potential and timely solicited, if they are to be put into use and motivated having put their best gallantly with great knowledge on the art of war in their various callings. He spoke on how to re-position the Veterants in their various places of residence as to enable them render their various skills in curtailing the Nigerian Security situation.

The man of the moment, stated that this ex-service men and women cuts across the entire nation and should be properly used, hence they know the terrain of the country in and out in their various places of origin. This useful engagement, he recommended, will be useful for the appalling security situation.

Agba-Attah noted that it was only during the yearly event that Veterants are used, found running helter skelter after the celebration which is 15th January, nothing else happens, he also noted that they don’t even have a furnished office to operate and they are not even recognized in the scheme of things concerning Security. He also noted that ex-service men are not recognized or respected except in the North, which ought not to be so.

He therefore encouraged various Local Government Areas in Nigeria to involve the ex-service men and women on security matters and other services or activities as to enable them contribute their wealth of experience or expertise to change the narrative to be brought to beared, for Nigerian Security situation.

He also recommended that, the Legionaries should be properly taken care of in the scheme of things with some monetary allocations to maintain their furnished offices and daily runnings as to boost their security morale.

Finally, the Patron appreciated the success of the Armed Forces Remembrance Day as it was in Obudu, appreciated the Chairman and the Vice Chairman Mrs. Asabe with a pass mark for the success of the yearly remembrance occasion while soliciting for more cooperation, understanding and a better relationship to forge ahead in overhauling security situation.