General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (Rtd)Former Nigerian military President, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida has appealed to Nigerians to stop hate speeches and other vices that are capable of triggering violence and bloodshed.
The former leader, in a message to mark the Armed Forces Day which comes up tomorrow, January 15, said: “we should eschew hate speeches, discrimination and other vices that trigger senseless violence and bloodshed.
“We have witness so much bloodshed through communal clashes and conflicts that need urgent actions to stop them NOW.
Babangida also called on political office holders as well as politicians from all political parties to be conscious of their campaign slogans and messages as the nation is set to enter the electioneering period towards the 2019 general elections.
He asked them to ensure that they gear their campaigns towards peaceful participation and constructive engagements of the electorates.
“I must also call on governments at all levels; religious leaders, traditional rulers, social activists and the media to serve as national vanguards in resolving some of the recent disturbing incidents affecting our national security.
“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.”
Babangida expressed his 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 and wished that their gentle souls rest in perfect peace.
