Nigerians have been exhorted to maintain their optimism and confidence that the nation will continue to exist as one whole despite its troubles.
On the 62nd anniversary of Nigeria, former military leader General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida made this statement while speaking to reporters in Minna, Niger State.
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He praised the efforts of succeeding administrations to keep the nation unified and stressed that to do this, a collaborative effort was needed. However, he demanded more.
When asked what he wanted for the country, Babangida stated that he wanted it to continue to be a powerful, prosperous, and united nation where peace reigns supreme.
Additionally, he expressed hope for a speedy resolution of the present conflict between the Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).
General Babangida urged young people to resisted the temptation to let politicians use them as thugs.
General Abdulsalami Abubakar, a former head of state, has advocated for the hiring of more security troops to combat the insurgency plaguing Nigeria.
While speaking to reporters at his Hilltop mansion in Minna, he made the call.
This, according to General Abubakar, had become essential due to the overworked security personnel.
He also emphasised the importance of providing security personnel with the tools they need in order for them to perform their jobs properly. The wise man urged Nigerians to give them information that will help them strengthen the security system.
When the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) lifted the ban on presidential campaigns, he expressed concern that some electorates were still buying and selling votes, and he expressed his disappointment that politicians were still supporting the dishonest practise.
Therefore, he urged a shift in perspective to meet these obstacles.
General Abubakar wants lawmakers to run a campaign of tolerance in order to have trouble-free general elections in 2023, after warning them against campaigns of slander and abuse.
In response to the question on restructuring, he argued that equity, justice, and fairness are what Nigeria needs, even though members of the national and state houses of legislatures have a crucial role to play in this regard.
Abubakar expressed hope that the issue involving the Federal Government and ASUU would soon be resolved.