Former Military President, retired General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, has advocated for national unity as the 2017 Armed Forces Remembrance Day gets underway.

In a statement issued on Saturday in Minna, Niger State, Babangida said: “In our collective and individual resolves, we should keep Nigeria’s unity, irrespective of sectional, religious and cultural leanings.”

The statement further read: “The 2017 Remembrance Day comes at a time that our Armed Forces, military men and women are gaining more grounds in the fight against insurgency and conflict-ridden areas of Nigeria.

“As we celebrate the Armed Forces Remembrance Day, we should take stock of sacrifices made by our men and women of the Armed Forces, especially the fallen heroes that paid the supreme sacrifice of maintaining peace not only in our country but beyond the shores of Nigeria. Let us commend the recent effort of our gallant military for breaking the nerve centre of Boko Haram terrorists.”

The former military ruler said that recent events across the country on general insecurity and economic sabotage are a source of concern to every well meaning Nigerian. He said it is paramount for all political leaders, elder statesmen, traditional rulers and the general society to galvanise the ruptured Nigerian nation.

“We have to take bold steps to tackle the great challenges of insecurity and distrust to commensurate the sacrifices made by our armed security personnel.”

The former Head of State also urged governments at all levels as well as traditional, religious and opinion leaders to think “Nigeria’s unity first,” guard their utterances and formulate a common ground of maintaining peace by putting to an end, armed conflicts, kidnappings, armed banditry among other security challenges.

General Babangida, therefore wished all Nigerians a Happy and prosperous New year 2017 and prayed for continued peace, unity and brotherhood amongst Nigerians.

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