Former President, Ibrahim Babangida on Sunday urged Nigerians to stop hate speeches which spark violence in order to restore peace in the country.
Babangida in a statement issued to newsmen in Minna in celebration of the Armed forces remembrance day appealed to Nigerians to cooperate with security agencies by providing useful information to tackle challenges of communal clashes and terrorism in the country.
He further called on politicians to be cautious with party slogans against 2019 elections.
The statement read “It is customary to observe the Armed Forces Day on the 15th January every year to remember officers and men of the Nigerian Armed Forces who laid down their lives for the unity of our country.
“We should cooperate and support our security with relevant information and intelligence to help in tackling the problems.
“As people, we should inculcate our cultural values that promote good conduct, tolerance and peaceful coexistence.
“We should eschew hate speeches, discrimination and other vices that trigger senseless violence and bloodshed.
“We have witnessed so much bloodshed through communal clashes and conflicts that need urgent actions to stop them now.
“As we enter the electioneering period, I urge our political office holders as well as politicians from all political parties to be conscious of their campaign slogans.
“For the members of the armed forces and security agencies, I urge them to remain apolitical, neutral and focus on the ethics of discipline which is the hallmark of their profession.
“In conclusion, I wish to once again express my condolence to the families of members of the Armed Forces who lost their lives in their effort to keep Nigeria secured in various military operations.”
Comments