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Hard times: Don’t Give Up On My Govt, Tinubu Tells Nigerians

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Hard times: Don’t Give Up On My Govt, Tinubu Tells Nigerians

President Bola Tinubu has urged the good people of Nigeria to maintain faith in the government despite the hardship and economic challenges the nation is currently facing. He stated, “I am not disconcerted, neither have I reneged, and will not renege on my promise to Nigerians during the electioneering campaigns of renewing their hopes in Nigeria.”

Tinubu said, “I do know there is insecurity challenge in the country. I am not unmindful of the fact that prices of food and other commodities are going high. Concrete efforts and measures are already underway to tackle and contain threats and issues of insecurity in Nigeria.

“Also, strategies have been emplaced and activated towards stabilising the economy and ensuring there is food security in the country.

“I, therefore, exhort all to be patient with us. I can assure Nigerians that there remains a whole spectrum of appropriate responses; from reaction, rebuilding, robust engagement to other interventions as circumstances might demand, all aimed at making Nigeria great again.

“For all that remains to be done (and must be done), we are to note that the achievements so far remain significant, and we are ever poised to fulfil our promises to Nigerians and renew the people’s hope and faith in our dear country.

The President spoke through the Minister of State for Police Affairs, Hajia Imman Ibrahim Suleiman at the launch of the Nigerian Police Force Veterans Foundation at the Police Service Commission headquarters on Tuesday.

He said, ‘The event (NPF Veterans Foundation) is in part to honour our retired Police Officers who have risked their lives for the peace and security of our dear country, Nigeria. These great men and women of valour and nobility deserve my respect, and gratitude of our nation.

‘The Nigeria Police Force is not only a critical symbol of state legitimacy, but also the lead agency in Nigeria’s internal security architecture. The sacrifice and commitment of its personnel contribute in no mean measure in keeping the citizens safe, and guaranteeing a stable national democratic order.

“This is in pursuant to Section 14 (2) (b) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended, which states that, ‘the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government’.

‘Unfortunately, during their onerous, challenging and high-risk service to our dear country which stretches through 35 years in service or 60 years of age, many officers are known to face health complications, lifetime as well as physical and emotional traumas after retirement.

‘This is compounded by the demanding nature and ethical requirements of their jobs which barely allow them time and space to prepare for life after service.

“The conceptualization of the Police Veterans’ Foundation which has crystalised to its launch today is not only thoughtful, but a great initiative. I, therefore, salute the brains behind this noble idea and laudable project aimed at improving the welfare of the Police retirees and renewing their hopes to live out their lives in dignity and comfort.

“As we gather here today, it is important we reflect on the cost of peace and security in Nigeria, to enable us fully appreciate and thank our Police veterans, for placing the nation’s security before their own lives.

Their courage, sacrifices and commitment to peace and security undoubtedly create a huge debt which Nigeria cannot commensurately be repaid to them.

“Supporting and assisting the Police veterans is rather a moral imperative, nay obligatory on government at all levels, including well-meaning members of the society. I must acknowledge that without these veterans, Nigeria would have no doubt descended into a Hobbesian state of nature where life is brutish, nasty and short; and only the fittest and strongest survives.

“We are further reminded that the idea of citizenship carries with it a sense of responsibility and patriotic duty. It is incumbent on us, therefore, to acknowledge the efforts, heroism and sacrifice made by those who gave their all that we may have peace and security in Nigeria.

“One of such responsibilities is supporting and sustaining the Police Veterans’ Foundation to enable the attainment of its noble objectives of giving a better life and hopes to our Police retired officers that will cushion the effects and burdens of post-service challenges”.

Continuing he said, “As the President of our dear country, I will not only give my full support to the Veterans Foundation, but will also ensure that such areas like improving the pension and severance package of retired Police Officers are immediately reviewed to reflect the enormity of their contributions and commitment to our country.

“Also, administrative processes towards issuance of an Executive Order will be immediately initiated to set aside a day, perhaps, 5th March (being today, the launch of the Veterans’ Foundation) or 1st April (being the date that the hitherto existing police forces of Northern and Southern provinces were amalgamated to form a unified Nigeria Police Force), as National Police and Veterans’ Day in Nigeria.

“On this day, the nation will honour the epic heroism, patriotism, love of country, selfless efforts and sacrifices of our Police Officers (both serving and retired), for the common good of Nigerians.

“Furthermore, it will also serve to immortalise in our consciousness the habit of thought and of action to labour steadily and to commit selflessly with courage and hard work beyond personal enhancement and self-interest, for our collective peace and security of our nation.

“It will also reiterate the third and fourth lines of the first stanza of our National Anthem, that ‘’the labour of our heroes past shall never be in vain”, as it will entrench and reflect a tradition of gratitude for honouring our police retirees, and as well serving as an infectious encouragement and assurance to the serving members of the Force that their efforts and hard work do not go unchronicled and unrecognised.

“To complement these initiatives, I have been assured that the Force leadership is also pursuing set of actions to prepare officers for a better life in retirement. These actions encompass healthcare provisions, financial planning support, and specialized training to equip officers with skills that transcend their active service, thereby fostering a smoother transition to retirement.

“This multifaceted approach underscores our commitment to not only recognise but also to actively contribute to their sustained well-being throughout their entire career and beyond.

In his welcome remarks, Chairman, Police Service Commission, Dr Solomon Arase (IGP Rtd), noted that following his assumption of office ss PSC chairman, he discovered that a great percentage of Police retirees were facing different post-service challenges.

“These needs encompass a spectrum ranging from health care concerns to assisting the families of deceased officers, as well as extending financial support for struggling retirees due to the inadequate pension and meagre severance packages.

“Sadly, this has informed the growing rate of early deaths of our retirees due their inability to meet their respective socio-economic demands, issues of health impairment, and other associated challenges of old age.

“Suffice to say that the newly established Forum became burdened with regular financial contributions for medical intervention for retired Police Officers who are facing different debilitating health challenges, and/or as support to families of deceased officers.

“Although it is gladdening that assistance is being extended to retired officers in need, this unwholesome and unavoidable situation playing out with our retirees was derailing the Forum from the main objective upon which it was conceptualized and established.

“The idea for the establishment of the Police Veterans’ Foundation was, therefore borne out of the need to come up with a veritable platform, to be deployed in galvanizing support for the improved welfare of retired Police officers who are faced with different post-service challenges.

“The Foundation will serve as a beacon of support and solidarity, reinforcing the enduring legacy of service, loyalty, hard work and commitment that define the Nigeria Police Force.

“The Foundation represents a historic moment for us all as it signifies our commitment and eloquent testament to address the pressing needs of our retired officers and their families. As a corollary, it presents a golden opportunity to Nigerians to commemorate the incredible bravery and strength of retired Police Officers and express their gratitude to the noble men and women who dedicated their youthful zest, intelligence and vigour for the peace and security of our dear country.”

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