Gowon Preaches Tolerance, Unity And Peace To Nigerian Youths, Says – Let’s Join Hands And Stop Our Common Enemies Now

Former Head of State, Yakubu Gowon has spoken on the killings in many parts of Nigeria, Gowon said patriotism must be exhibited to restore peace across the country

He, however, lamented that Nigerians are killing one another for no reasons Former Head of State, retired general Yakubu Gowon on Saturday, July 28, advocated for more tolerance and understanding among Nigerians to put an end to the spate of killings in the country.

Gowon made the remark while speaking as the Special Guest of Honour at the Nigeria Military School (NMS) 60th Speech and Prize Giving Day in Zaria, Kaduna state, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.

He lament that Nigerians were killing one another for no reasons, advising that tolerance, understanding, brotherliness, accommodation and patriotism must be exhibited to restore peace across the country.

According to him, “Is it Nigerians that are killing Nigerians? It is of course very painful, I have to raise this for you young boys to know and understand that killing is not good.

“We must remove evil from our own minds to be able to live together as Christians and Muslims, as young boys, you prepare to deal with the situation when the need arise without fear or favour.”

Gowon cited Nasarawa, Plateau, Benue, Taraba, Zamfara among others as some of the most affected states, advising that people must learn to tolerate one another to live in peace. The ex-head of state lauded the efforts of the NMS Commandant, Brig-Gen. Muktar Bunza for moulding the boys to simultaneously acquire academics and military training.

He said NMS had remained a path for promoting national unity among Nigerians from different ethno-cultural and religious background.

According to him, the school has tremendously contributed to national growth and development through production of disciplined, patriotic, gallant and humble leaders. Gowon advised the management to adopt world best practices in training the boys to become professional soldiers.