Ibrahim Babangida, a former military president has revealed that he deliberately formulated policies and projects among which were the creation of states to weaken what he called unwholesome agitations for secession.

In a message to mark Nigeria’s 57th independence anniversary, Babangida said “the resilience of the armed forces of Nigeria to curtail secessionist agitations throughout our nation’s post-independence has reduced tensions and unnecessary disruption of lives and property.”

He emphasized that“all Nigerians must always embrace peace and dialogue as they are the only antidotes for conflict resolution.

Babangida noted that though the nation is bedeviled with senseless agitations and conflicts, there was need for careful appraisal of our journey to nationhood.

“As an active participant in the Civil War and a retired military officer, with the hard lesson learnt, I will never be tired of calling for the oneness and unity of our great nation,” he said.

“We will forever be ready to sacrifice for a united and prosperous Nigeria whenever the need arises.

“During our tenure in government we deliberately formulated policies, programmes, projects and even the creation of states to further weaken unwholesome agitations for secession and promote mutual and peaceful coexistence devoid of ethnic, religious and regional discriminations.”

Babangida urged government at all levels to continue to encourage mutual tolerance and protect the life of every Nigerian anywhere in the country.

He urged Nigerians to pray and work towards peace and progress of the nation and to those “beating the war drums”, Babangida advised them to “sheathe their swords and support the government in addressing security and economic challenges.”

“We should support the government in addressing the security and economic challenges as I urge Nigerians to extend their gestures with a hand of fellowship to one another and assist those affected by natural disasters, conflicts and communal clashes that are presently confined at various Internally Displaced Persons Camps (IDPs).”