Gen. Muhamadu Buhari's Speech

Sir-Phil

SPEECH BY HIS EXCELLENCY MUHAMMADU
BUHARI PRESIDENT OF THE FEDERAL
REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA ON THE
OCCCASION OF HIS CONDOLENCE VISIT TO
THE 9THKENYA RIFLES, ELDORET
ON 27TH JANUARY 2016
PROTOCOL

I received the tragic news of the attack on
Kenyan soldiers by terrorists at their El Adde
base in Somalia with anguish and shock.
Myself, the Government and People of Nigeria
share in your pain and grief and stand with
you in solidarity in this moment of great loss
and mourning. As a country, Nigeria has had
her fair share of
dastardly acts committed by Boko Haram.
Elsewhere in other parts of Africa and the
Middle East and across the world, terrorists
have continued to inflict pain and misery on
innocent civilians and security personnel
alike.
2. Indeed, the threat posed to global peace
and security by terrorists is enormous even as
they continually strategize and grow in
sophistication in order to strengthen their
capacity to cause havoc.
3. Your Excellency, Distinguished Ladies and
Gentlemen, terrorists should not have a place
in our communities, villages, towns, cities and
countries. We must all rise against the culture
of intolerance, hatred and extremist
ideologies, which drive terrorism. We must
also be firm against radicalization and all
those who promote values and principles that
threaten our unity and cohesion as a people.
Together, we can and shall defeat terrorists,
their sponsors and sympathizers.
4. In this regard, Nigeria stands in solidarity
and is willing to work with Kenya and indeed
other African countries and the global
community at large with a view to defeating
these undesirable elements. We must take the
battle to the terrorists whoever they are and
wherever they are. This requires commitment,
sacrifice, resources, collaboration and above
all a realization that no country is immune to
the scourge, as terrorists do not respect
national boundaries, race, colour, religion or
creed.
5. I salute the bravery and patriotism of our
men and women in uniform in Kenya, Nigeria
and around the world who have remained
faithful and committed to the cause of
ensuring a secure and peaceful world in spite
of daunting challenges. In this process of
rendering selfless service to their countries
and
mankind in general, some have had to pay the
ultimate price while others have suffered
physical, emotional and psychological hurt.
6. I wish to use this occasion to pay tribute to
all the fallen heroes of the El Adde attack and
pray for the repose of their souls. In our
efforts to collaboratively tackle terrorism, it is
our sacred duty as leaders, politicians,
compatriots and in whatever position we
find ourselves to ensure that the blood of
these fallen patriots was not shed in vain. I
commend the united front presented by the
Government and people of Kenya irrespective
of affiliations in condemning the attack. I
encourage you to sustain this unity and shun
using this most tragic event as a cause of
divisiveness.
7. To the families and friends of the fallen
heroes, we extend our condolences and
solidarity; and pray for God to comfort you
and give you the fortitude to bear the
irreparable loss. It is indeed painful to lose a
loved one but please be comforted by the fact
that they fought for a noble and just cause. A
fight to ensure that others live. Your loved
ones will, therefore, forever be remembered
and honoured for the sacrifice they made to
ensure a stable, peaceful and secure Kenya,
Africa and the world.
8. Thank you very much and may God Bless
You all.

Gen. Muhamadu Buhari's Speech

Related Topics