By Correspondent in Minna.
As Nigerians warm for general elections in 2023,former Military Head of State, General Abdulsalam Alhaji Abubarkar, has cautioned members of the politicians class to shun engaging in acts capable of building tension in the country.
He gave the caution while speaking as one of the recipients of the FUT, Minna Honorary Awards, as part of the university’s 38th Founder’s Day/30th Convocation ceremony at the institution’s main campus, Gidan-kwano in Minna.
“As we move towards 2023, I appeal to politicians at the three tiers of government to desist from using our children, our grand children and our youths as tools for self destruction
“I urge youths to resist being lured into serving as political thugs which will only lead to serving as tools for self destruction to politicians.
“You have a better and a more honourable option of securing your future and the future of this country by supporting and voting for individuals who have our collective interest, as a people, at heart,”he said.
Abubakar also stressed the need for politicians, especially seeking various elective positions at the three tiers of government federal, state and local government, to adhere strictly to the rules of the game of politics.
He reminded those concerned that deployment of youths, who are the future leaders of tomorrow,to serve as their political thugs amounted to destroying them and deny the country of their role.
He told Nigerian youths, especially those of voting age,not to accept offer for personal gain by politicians to engage in self destruction but use their voter’s cards to elect leaders that would work for the collective interest of all Nigerians, irrespective of religious, tribal or political inclination.
The former Head of State,who lamented the worsening security situation in many parts of the country,called on Nigerians to join hands with government in tackling the menace by providing useful information to security agencies on the hide outs and the activities of criminals in the country.
“We are facing a very hard time in this country. We are fighting a war without any morality, without any force. Let us all join hands with security agencies by providing useful information on how to secure the territorial integrity of this nation”.
Abdulsalam further advised the people to monitor their immediate environment with a view to checking activities of aliens with evil intention said.
Also speaking, the President, African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina and the GMD NNPC, Mallam Mele Kolo Kyari, who were also conferred with the Honorary Awards, commended FUT, Minna for the recognition accorded them and promised to do their best for the growth and development of the citadel.
Governor Abubarkar Sani Bello of Niger state, in a remark, congratulated the university, under Professor Abdullahi Bala, for setting the pace in technological advancements by the number of achievements recorded in the past four years.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
