The Presidential Candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, in the January 2027 election, Mr Peter Obi has called on Igbo youths to enlist in security forces, saying there is dignity in serving one’s fatherland.
Obi stated this on Friday when he visited the home of Lieutenant General Isaac Chikadibia Obiakor to condole with the family on the passing of the general, during his burial ceremony in Awka, the Anambra State capital.
Obi eulogised the late military general as an upright officer who served with integrity, but expressed unhappiness that such men were never celebrated as a mark of respect and dignity for the office they held and the sacrifices they made for the country.
Obi said: “Obiakor served at the highest level as an ambassador at the United Nations Peace Keeping Force, but I’m unhappy that people like him are not celebrated enough.
“Just imagine if today was the burial of a general in the western world. In this country, we have lost someone as big as a Chief of Army Staff and our president was not there, the Vice President was not there and political heavy weights were not there. That shouldn’t be. It should have been a place where all of us come together to give them the honour deserving of the sacrifices they made for the nation.”
Obi urged youths not to be deterred, but to always enrol in such roles. He said: “I urge our youths to see the dignity and respect that can be associated in serving your fatherland. It is not only the military but other forces, but people do not want to serve because those who have offered themselves for service are often neglected and not treated justly.
“Talking about remuneration, I think our military and other who have taken up service for fatherland deserve the best, they should be treated with dignity and respect as well as caring for them and their families.”
Enlist in security forces, there’s dignity in serving our fatherland- Obi to Igbo youths