By Patrick Andrew
Abuja
Former Military President, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, has reiterated the need to resolve issues through dialogue stressing that it is the only credible antidote to peaceful resolutions of confl icts.
Babangida, who said the country is bedevilled with senseless agitations and confl icts, however said rather than wish the agitation away that there was need for careful appraisal of our journey to nationhood.
Th e former military president said while felicitating with Nigerians over the country’s 57th Independence anniversary stressing that Nigerians must learn to live together by embracing peace.
Th e message signed by his media offi ce states: “Th e resilience of armed forces of Nigeria to curtailed nation’s post independence has reduced tensions and unnecessary disruption of lives and property,” he said.
“Peace remains the best option in resolving confl icts and agitations in the country, adding that recent confl icts 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 a retired military offi cer, 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 sacrifi ce for a united and prosperous Nigeria whenever the need arises “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 discriminations.
” He 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 fi nd themselves in the country.
He urged Nigerians to pray and work towards peace and progress of the nation.
He advised those beating the war drum through hate speeches to sheathe their swords and support the government in addressing security and economic challenges.
“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 aff ected by natural disasters, confl icts and communal clashes that are presently confi ned at various Internally Displaced Persons Camps (IDPs).
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