Jonathan, who was the Reviewing Officer and also the Special Guest of Honour, made the decision at the parade to mark the grand finale of the 2013 Nigerian Army Day Celebration.
He said that he was happy that the initial assessment report of the conduct of military operations since the declaration of emergency rule revealed that the strategies had been well thought out and was progressing satisfactorily.
He said that government services and personal businesses had resumed in areas previously occupied by the insurgents, adding that the people in those areas were bit by bit regaining their lives in confidence.
“As we have a tendency to march forward, I urge you to still abide by the military sanctify practice and core character of service.
“I also urge you to stay to the rules of engagement, particularly respect for human rights in all your operational activities.
“In this helpful section of your operations, the welfare and welfare of the people of the communities where you reside and work should be your primary focus,’’ jonathan said.
The president urged the military to defend the citizens and foreigners living within the country against terrorist elements.
He also suggested the military to strengthen its collaboration and synergism with different security agencies and friendly partner nations to reinforce their effectiveness.
“Terrorism is anti-people; it's anti-progress and that we should stamp it out of our nation.
“This administration firm resolve is to try everything in our constitutional powers to make sure the protection and safety of all law abiding citizens.
“It could be a commitment that we've created and unbroken with nice dedication, and that we can still keep it,’’ jonathan said.
Jonathan assured the Nigerian Army and every one the members of the soldiers of the commitment of his administration to their welfare.
He pledged that government would still support the soldiers and meet their wants.
“I need to specially congratulate you, your spouses and families on this necessary day of remembrance.
“I need to thank them for standing by you as you serve our nation. Federal Republic of Nigeria deeply appreciates your sacrifice,’’ the president said.
The Minister of State for Defence, Mrs Olusola Obada, said that the celebration came at a time once the country was competing with act of terrorism and different security challenges that were novel to its national history.
She said that the theme of the celebration, “Enhancing the Nigerian Army capability Building Effort towards Improved National Security’’ couldn't have come back at a more robust time.
She said that in spite of the threat posed by terrorist, the military and different security agencies had created considerable progress within the maintenance of law and order and security of lives and properties.
In his speech, the FCT Minister, Sen. Bala said, that in view of this security challenges facing the country, the military ought to increase surveillance to cut back criminal tendencies by miscreants.
He said that his administration would encourage the military through the availability of logistics and vehicles and different help necessary to attain said free society within the FCT and its surround.
Earlier the Chief of Army staff, Lt.-Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika, said the celebration was associate annual event.
According to him, the celebration can be said to showcase its wealthy history, values and modest action.
Ihejirika supplementary that the celebration would also give chance for the opportunity to create public awareness of its capability and readiness to defend the state in consonance with its constitutional role.
(NAN)
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