By Princess Simon (Bureau Chief North Central, in Minna)
Former Military President, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB) has urged Nigerians to be patient and prayerful for God to see Nigerians through the current challenges, especially as the country marches towards another election in 2023.
Babangida equally challenged media organisations and journalists in particular to always ignore those he describes as preachers of disunity and divisive tendencies in Nigeria. He urged them to always give priority attention to Nigerians who are working on the psyche of citizens in championing the course for peace.
General Babangida spoke on Tuesday, August 16, 2022, just on the eve of his Wednesday, August 17, 2022 birthday, when he granted audience to members of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Niger State Council, at his hilltop residence.
Babangida said thus: "As Nigerians strive to pull through the numerous challenges, it is important to remind ourselves of the need to remain steadfast in prayers as only God can bring the nation out of her current precarious situation. Peace and oneness of Nigeria is non-negotiable.
"It is necessary for the media to always ignore those preaching disunity and give priority to those making efforts towards ensuring peaceful co-existence and unity amongst the about 250 Nigeria’s ethnic nationalities in the country. Therefore, you must change the psyche of the people through positive news reportage".
While expressing satisfaction, however, over the role so far played by journalists and the Nigerian media industry generally, General Babangida made a strong case for a change in narratives for the sake of Nigeria and her citizens, by insisting on doing the right thing notwithstanding the inherent challenges.
Babangida applauded journalists so far for doing wonderfully well in their reportage of current events, and in their analysis of issues as well as supporting sustainable democracy, which, according to him, must be improved upon by carrying the Nigerian masses along.
For God to see the country and her citizenry through, the former Military President emphasized on the lessons of patience and respect for the generality of Nigerian masses as well as having faith in God for a better and happy future for the nation.
“I urge Nigerians to be hopeful, determined, faithful and prayerful, for an end to the current security challenges which we are passing through. Those behind it will soon realize the consequences and the impact of their actions”, IBB stated as he assured Nigerians that all hope is not lost.
He told the journalists that he is optimistic that Nigeria will come out stronger and better from her socio-economic and political woes. He encouraged Nigerians to be more prayerful and hopeful for an end to the current economic storm, as according to him, nothing is an impossible task to God.
General Babangida media visitors were led by the Niger State Council Chairman, Comrade Abu Nmodu and the Correspondent Chapel Chairman, Comrade Yakubu Mustapha Bina. They however presented with an 81 Year Birthday Card and prayers offered to God for his good health and long life. NNL.
