Former Chief of General Staff, Diya counsels against war in Nigeria
The Former Chief of General Staff General Oladipo Diya(rtd) has called on need for Nigerians to jointly discourage Apostles of war in the country, stressing the need for the government to arrest all forms of insecurity rocking the nation to ensure unity and peace.
Penpushing reports that, Diya who was the second in command during the dictatorship rule of the late former Military Head of State, Sanni Abacha made the call in a statement titled, ‘A Clarion Call for Peace in a Nation in Dire Need of Unity’, to mark his 77th birthday
The retired General who was on death row following his role in a coup to topple his principal, but narrowly escaped execution, following mysterious death of Abacha in June 1998, called on President Muhammadu Buhari’s government to work harder to solve the nation’s security challenges.
Penpushing further reports that, Diya pointed out that the country’s natural resources are turning citizens against themselves adding that, what the citizens are passing through in the recent time is unpalatable
“’What we are witnessing in the recent past is alarming. It is taking a dangerous turn. The signs are ominous. We seem to have forgotten that, fundamentally, we are brothers and sisters from one source, in one nation with a common destiny. Let us pursue peace and eschew violence at all costs, by all means’.
“Many actors have made their positions known. A lot more have pointed accusing fingers. We have turned the table and changed the narratives, just to suit our positions. One thing is certain, we cannot continue like this. Enough is enough. Let us cease the practice of name-calling. There is no part of the nation that does not have its inherent security challenges. Hence, the first solution is to look inwards. Let us do a soul searching.”
Penpushing also reports that, Diya who at a time was alleged to be against the democratic interest of Yoruba race, where he comes from during the June 12 struggle, in his birthday statement noted that while Buhari’s leadership had recovered numerous territories hitherto occupied by insurgents, more work is needed to be done.
“More work however needs to be done by the government to solve the perennial problem of banditry, farmer-herder crisis and all forms of terrorism in the land. Sociologists have always warned us that ‘the rumours of war always justifies armament’.
‘Armament itself heightens the possibility of war. We must avoid a repeat of mistakes of the past. Peace is all we need. The Political Class must play by the rules and observe the thin line that separates Politics from Governance’, Diya said.
“Security matters should not be toyed with on the altar of politicking. Hate speech, fake news, as well as inciting ethnic-religious acts should be completely eradicated. I have fought many wars in my life. I have been out there all my life. I know the feel, the smell, the agony and the long time implications of wars. After a war, there must still be a dialogue, so it is better to dialogue and talk our way out of the problems”, he emphasised
The former Chief of General Staff while speaking on the coronavirus, encouraged Nigerians to take time to get the vaccines, which he said he was convinced about the medications with no side effect
‘The arrival of the COVID vaccine is a welcoming relief. I have taken my jab, without any side effects. I took the vaccine, ate then slept like a baby. I urge the organizers to keep improving the delivery process, in order to vaccinate more Nigerians’.
“As mortals, we must celebrate every day as it comes. However, by the special grace of God and some divine arrangement, I am alive and in good health to celebrate my 77th birthday. I give all glory, honour and adoration to the Almighty God,”
“This special day also affords me an opportunity to reflect and attempt to proffer a solution on the state of our dear nation, Nigeria. There is no gainsaying that we all need to come together to confront our common enemy – war and its apostles – so that we can rise together as one.
“Nigeria is a uniquely blessed nation. God has bequeathed on us a large vibrant population; a vast land filled graciously with milk and honey. North, East, South or West, everywhere you turn, there is a mineral resource that will remind you that God loves us.”
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