Former Military President, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, has urged all Nigerians to always embrace peace and dialogue as they are antidotes for conflict resolution.
He also advised those beating war drums through hates speeches to sheathe their swords and support the government in addressing security and economic challenges.
In a press statement, IBB in his 57th Independence message said even though the nation is bedeviled with senseless agitations and conflicts, there was need for careful appraisal of our journey to nationhood.
According to him, “The resilience of armed forces of Nigeria to curtailed secessionists agitation throughout our nation’s post independence era has reduced tensions and unnecessary destruction of Lives and property
“Dialogue remains the best option in resolving conflicts and agitations in the country, adding that recent conflicts and agitations, chanting slogan of war and hate speeches are derailing the nation’s development and unity.
“As an active participant in the Civil War and as a retired military officer, with the hard lesson learnt, I will never be tired on calling for the oneness and unity of our great nation. We will forever be ready to sacrifice for a United and prosperous Nigeria when call again.”
He explained that during his tenure as head of state, he deliberately formulated policies, programmes, projects and even the creation of states to further weaken unwholesome agitations for secession and promote mutual and peaceful coexistence devoid of ethnic, religious and regional discrimination.
Against this backdrop, the former military president called on government at all levels to continue to encourage mutual tolerance and protect the life of every Nigerian.
Urging Nigerians to pray and work towards peace and progress of the nation, the elder statesman noted the need to
support government in addressing the security and Economic challenges facing the nation.
” I urge Nigerians to extend their gestures with a hand of fellowship to one another and assists those affected by natural disasters, conflicts and communal clashes that are presently confined at Internally Displaced Camps (IDP’s),” he stated..
