Home FEATURES IBB Commends Nigerian Army For Curtailing ‘Senseless’ Secessionist Agitation

IBB Commends Nigerian Army For Curtailing ‘Senseless’ Secessionist Agitation

Babangida Ibrahim

Former Nigerian Military President, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB), has commended the Nigerian Army for rising up to curtail what he called ‘senseless’ secessionist agitation that would have thrown the country into another orgy of killings.

“The resilience of armed forces of Nigeria to curtailed secessionist and agitations throughout our nation’s post-independence has reduced tensions and unnecessary destruction of lives and property.”

In his message on the nation’s 57th Independent, the former President acknowledged that the nation is bedeviled with senseless agitations and conflicts but that there is the need for careful appraisal of the country’s journey to nationhood.

“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 on 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

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“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 that 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 called on Nigerians to pray and work towards peace and progress of the nation even as he advised those beating the war drum through and 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 affected by natural disasters, conflicts and communal clashes that are presently confined at various Internally Displaced Persons Camps (IDPs).” [myad]