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.
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 appealed to youths to resist the temptation of allowing themselves to be used as thugs by politicians.
Meanwhile, former Head of State General Abdulsalami Abubakar has called for the recruitment of additional security personnel to effectively tackle the insurgency bedeviling Nigeria.
He made the call while addressing journalists at his Hilltop residence in Minna.
General Abubakar said this had become imperative because security personnel have been overstretched.
He also stressed the need for the provision of necessary equipment for security personnel to enable them to discharge their duties effectively. The elder statesman called on Nigerians to provide them with useful information that will assist in improving the security system.
On the lifting of the ban on presidential campaigns by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), he expressed sadness that some electorates are still selling their votes while to his dismay politicians are also encouraging the negative act.
He, therefore, called for a change of attitude to overcome such challenges.
General Abubakar, who warned politicians against campaigns on calumny and abuse, wants them to engage in a campaign of tolerance to achieve a hitch-free 2023 general elections.
While reacting to the question on restructuring, he maintained that though members of national and state houses of assemblies have a vital role to play on this matter, equity justice, and fairness are what is needed in Nigeria.
Abubakar expressed optimism that the problem between the Federal Government and ASUU will be a thing of the past soon.