Former Nigeria Military President, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida has expressed worry over the generous publicity being accorded the dangerous activities of the outlawed Boko Haram by Nigerian media.
In his Sallah message to Nigerians today from his Minna Hilltop Mansion, Babangida stressed that headlines and lead stories in the national and local media have been responsible mainly for the promotion of the activities of insurgents.
He said that such undue publicity has also been helping to motivate members of the sect rather than de-motivating them, adding that if Nigeria is serious about proper management of information on security issues, story about the idea of taking some Boko Haram suspects and prisoners to Anambra State, should not have been public knowledge.
Babangida lamented that the country has within this period, witnessed what he described as the worst of human follies in the conduct of these avoidable carnage and bloodletting by those “unscrupulous persons that operate under the guise of religion and carrying out havoc to Nigeria and Nigerians sense of nationality.”
The former leader, who said he was confident that President Muhammadu Buhari would end the Boko Haram sect, believed that Nigeria can be greater if the current challenges were solved.
In the message titled: “Let us be Strong and Unite against Insurgency,” Babangida advised President Buhari to ensure that the welfare of Military personnel who have been posted to the states where members of Boko Haram operate were adequately taken care of as such a move would encourage soldiers who would be assigned such responsibilities subsequently.
He stressed that the Islamic religion he was born into 74 years ago preaches peace and encourages everyone to cooperate with another, adding that God should touch the hearts of the insurgents so that the untoward act of bloodletting would permanently cease.
“Let me convey my warm wishes to all Muslims home and abroad for the successful completion of the Ramadan exercise.
“As much as one would have appreciated our efforts as devout Muslims who have observed the obligatory month of Ramadan, the incessant killings and bloodlettings by members of the Boko Haram leaves a sour taste in my mouth.
“For want of no discernible ideology, they have continued to portray Islam in very bad light, making members of other religions to perceive us with scorn. Islam, which I was born into, some 74 years ago, is a very peaceful religion that preaches brotherliness and togetherness.
“It is a religion that encourages love, affection and respect for our neighbours and mankind. It is one religion that has an abiding influence on its adherents to cooperate with one another and promote peace in their respective communities.
“May God touch the hearts of these insurgents so that the untoward act of bloodletting will permanently cease. Happy Eid-el-Fitri to all.” [myad]
