Nigeria at 57: Dialogue Is Panacea for Conflict Resolution – IBB
BY AMOS DUNIA, ABUJA – Former Military President, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (rtd), has said that though the nation is bedeviled with senseless agitations and conflicts, there is an urgent need for careful appraisal of our journey to nationhood.
Babangida, who made the appeal in a message to mark Nigeria’s 57th Independence anniversary, therefore urged Nigerians to always embrace peace and dialogue which he noted are antidotes for conflict resolution.
According to him; “The resilience of Armed Forces of Nigeria to curtail secessionist and agitations throughout our nation’s post-independence has reduced tensions and unnecessary disruption of lives and property.”
“Peace remains the best option in resolving conflicts and agitations in the country. 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 a retired military officer, with the hard lesson learnt, I will never be tired of calling for the oneness and unity of our great nation. We will forever be ready to sacrifice 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 discrimination,” the former military President insist.
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 find themselves in the country.
General Babangida urged Nigerians to pray and work towards peace and progress of the nation, stressing that those beating the war drum through hate speeches must sheathe their swords and support the government in addressing security and economic challenges.
He further 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 various Internally Displaced Persons Camps (IDPs).”
