Former Chief of General Staff under General Sani Abacha, Lt. Gen. Oladipo Diya (rtd), has lent his voice to calls for peace and unity in Nigeria as he marks his 77th birthday today.
Diya in a statement urged Nigerians to appreciate the country’s unique blessings and to come together to pursue peaceful co-existence.
Expressing concern over the level of disagreement in the country today, the former number two citizen said, “Sociologists have always warned us that “the rumours of war always justify 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. 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 said.
He added: “As mortals, we must celebrate everyday 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.”
