By Austin Ogwuda  & Simon Ebegbulem

BENIN—Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State, yesterday, said that the unity of Nigeria was not negotiable, as he commended the Nigerian Armed Forces for their defence of the country’s democracy.

*Oshiomhole

Similarly, Delta State deputy governor, Prof. Amos Utuama, has called on Nigerians not to allow the labour of the fallen heroes to be in vain, rather they should rise to defend what they died for.

He spoke in Asaba at this year’s Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration

Oshiomhole, in Benin City, during the Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration, said: “Presidents will come and go, governors will come and go, but the Nigerian nation will remain forever. On this occasion, it is important that we pledge our continued commitment to the indivisibility of Nigeria. I am unrepentant in my conviction that the unity of this country is not negotiable.

“We can talk on how to grow the economy, talk on the best time to create jobs, lament what we have not done right, but we cannot discuss whether Nigeria is a reality. On this occasion, which coincides with the celebration of Nigeria’s centenary, I think all Nigerians should use this opportunity to recognise that people died to keep Nigeria one.

“I want to acknowledge my appreciation for the support and commitment of our officers and men in uniform. Our officers and men are doing everything possible across the country to ensure that the rest of us are able to sleep with our eyes closed.”

In Asaba, Utuama noted that the import of the celebration was to remember fallen heroes, who fought and laid down their lives during the war to maintain the integrity of this country.

Said he: “I appeal to all Nigerians, that we must remain one, united and live in harmony with each other. This is all we have to enjoy the resources and peace God has given to this country. In chaos, we cannot develop, we need peace to develop and we need unity of purpose to harness all the resources available to us to move this country forward.”

Highlight of the celebration, was the military parade by men of the Nigerian Army, Navy and Nigerian Legion and the release of pigeons as a symbol of unity in the country.