From: Tunde Omolehin, Sokoto
Former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (rtd)has called on various group agitating against the unity of Nigeria to shelve their swords.
The former Head of state who described their action as “beating the drums of war,” mainatained that their hate speeches will only lead to bloodshed which will not help anybody.
Speaking at the Nigeria Prays one day North West zonal prayer rally held at the Catholic Diocese in Sokoto, the elder statesman underscored the need for Nigerians to shun any hate speeches that could instigate them to perpetrate violence.
Gowon noted that the nation is currently passing through a difficult period of insecurity, economic hardship and political instability.
The former Head of State, however, insisted that despite the tension in the polity, the citizens should not allow themselves to be used to kill one another.
According to him, “We should rise up to the occasion and avoid hate speeches that could lead to bloodshed. Let us value the life of our fellow human beings.
“May we never take human life with impunity. May God change the hearts of men stoking tension to steer away such evil ways,” he said.
He maintained that fervent prayers by Nigerians was the only way out of the current tension in the country rather than going to war.
According to him, Nigerians must seek for God’s intervention in the affairs of the country through incessant prayers in order to avert chaos and anarchy.
“Let us be assured that our prayers are not in vain. I can say this with every authority that prayer can solve problems better and faster than generals and soldiers can do with physical weapons of war.
“We pray God to help us find solution to our various societal ills such as kidnapping, insecurity, recession and armed robbery and for the restoration of our economy.
“I have no doubt that in my heart that God will honour our collective prayers and intercession for our dear nation and heal our nation of insecurity.
“May we experience abundance of God’s mercy and showers of blessings over our lives and our nation as we raise our voices in heartfelt prayers today in Sokoto,” Gowon stated.
He prayed God to guide the leaders at all levels in steering the affairs of the nation at this critical period of the nation’s history.
The former Head of State, therefore, charged Nigerians to pray for the quick recovery of President Muhammadu Buhari. He also prayed God to give Acting President Yemi Osinbajo the wisdom in steering the affairs of the nation.