Former Military President, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, has urged Nigerians to always embrace peace and dialogue as they are antidotes for conflict resolution.
Babangida said in a statement to mark Nigeria’s 57th Independence anniversary on Saturday that though the nation is bedevilled with senseless agitations and conflicts, there was the need for careful appraisal of our journey to nationhood.
He said: “The resilience of armed forces of Nigeria to curtail 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 agitation in the country.”
Babangida said recent conflicts and agitation, chanting of slogans of war and hate speeches are derailing the nation’s development and unity.
He said: “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.
“During our tenure in government we 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.”
Babangida said government at all levels should continue to encourage mutual tolerance and protect the life of every Nigerian who should feel at home anywhere they find themselves in the country.
He urged Nigerians to pray and work towards peace and progress of the nation.
He advised those beating war drums through hates speeches to sheathe their swords and support the government in addressing security and economic challenges.
He said: “We should support the government in addressing the security and Economic challenges as 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.”
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