Armed Forces Remembrance Day: We Appreciate Contributions of Armed Forces to Nation Building, Says Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki

Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, has commended officers and men of the nation's armed forces for their tremendous contributions to the survival and development of the country. Speaking today (Friday) at the National Mosque, Abuja, where he represented President Muhammadu Buhari at the Jummah service held to commemorate the 2017 Armed Forces Remembrance Day, Saraki said the nation and her leaders will continue to appreciate the military and provide for the welfare of its members.

"Apart from the fact that the military symbolises the unity, strength, relevance and sovereignty of Nigeria, the men of the armed forces have helped to keep the country safe and help to ensure that our various diversities are sources of strength rather than division.

"I never said Boko Haram was part of my cabinet ( but government)" - GEJ, Media Chat May 2014

President Goodluck Jonathan on Sunday alleged the dreaded Islamic sect, Boko Haram, had infiltrated his government.

He claimed some of members of the group, which had claimed responsibility for the killings in parts of the North, were in the executive, legislative and judiciary arms of government as well as the police and armed forces.

Jonathan spoke during an inter-denominational service to mark the 2012 Armed Forces Remembrance Day.

He said the situation had made it more difficult to combat Boko Haram.

The President described the current security situation in the country as worse than the civil war experience.

He said, “This is a particular time when the country has major security challenges. There are explosions every day, people are dying and are being killed daily without any reason.