I stand for the Nigerian arm forces

First, I wish  to ask this simple question, can anyone who never slept without food or shelter defines poverty? Our understanding is hinged on our experiences in life.   In one of the military barracks in Nigeria my dear country, lived a family which I shall use as example here.

A 27 year old secondary school certificate holder fell in love with her Army boyfriend who she felt was the best, a symbol of strength and fear, they got married and gave birth to three children, while she was putting to bed for the fourth child the army took her husband to the special operation in Maiduguri in the hey days of Boko  Haram insurgency, but it’s not  her alone many in that barracks also went for the operation. Every evening the wives gathered to analyze stories in the battle grounds and sympathize with others whose husbands were reported missing in action or dead, it’s a normal routine for the people around the barracks till date, many have sacrificed their lives to the service of this country, the child in my story is now eight years and the father is still missing in action. some say he his dead but the family is keeping hope alive that one day their father will return. Can you imagine the trauma in those families?

“The labour of our heroes past shall never be in vein” is popular quote for many Nigerians. January 18, every year is the Remembrance Day to remember the falling heroes, the men and women of the Nigerian Armed forces who died in battled while serving the nation and those in active service or retired service.

Our reality proves to be the opposite of the quote “labour of our heroes shall never be vain” on this day, one remembers that officers and men of the armed forces who continues to battle insurgency in the North-East and other part of this country, including Foreign Missions in Africa and other part of the world, are treated without respect from both citizen and politicians, you doubt when I say citizens right? How many times did you see an Army officer and stand to appreciate such a person? We often do not think they are doing us any favor.

while our military is tight up in this mission, nobody cares about their strives and welfare; while the government continues to budget billions for military and warfare, ordinary soldiers and officers continue to wallow in a state of abject want and penury, many cannot guarantee a quality future for their children. Yet Politicians continue to conspire with military administrators to cheat and loot the welfare package of these gallant Nigerians who lay their lives for service of their country. To all soldiers and officers of the Armed forces we appreciate you all, for it is written “there is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s country”

To this end, it is time the government improve on the welfare of the Armed forces and their families but let us today remember to thank the gallant soldiers of the Nigerian Armed forces.

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I stand With the Nigerian Armed Forces by Dakwom Longgul