Gen Olu Bajowa (retd.) has cautioned all Nigerians against making inflammatory statements that tend to fan the flames of war and threaten the unity and peace of the country.
In a statement on Tuesday, Mr Bajowa frowned upon unpatriotic statements and actions during the nationwide protest.
He appealed to all Nigerians across social, political, religious, tribal, and ethnic divides to consider the grave implications of making such statements.
The retired general said he was particularly concerned about the violent dimension the protest assumed in some parts of the country. He said those advocating for war were driven by ignorance and myopic sentiment.
According to him, no one can predict the outcome of any war, as no person or group has a monopoly on violence.
He said Nigeria must avoid falling into the traps of foreign and domestic enemies by all means possible.
“Let us learn from the recent experience of a fellow African country, Libya, a once prosperous model African economy, who allowed themselves to be lured into an avoidable war.
“Let Nigerians protect Nigeria, and let those who gleefully brandished the flags of some foreign countries during the recent protest be told that no country loves Nigeria more than we Nigerians.
“No country is free from one form of challenge or another. It has pleased the Almighty God that He has positioned Nigeria as the leading light of the black race. We are also the potential light of the whole world, and we must do everything possible to keep the light of this great nation shining,” he said.
The retired general commended the security agencies and services for a good job handling the protest.
He said their professional standards in managing the early warning signals and preventing the country from sliding into anarchy earned his salute.
Mr Bajowa added, “My position is not in any way to downplay the enormity of the economic hardship now being faced by ordinary citizens but to encourage us to stand strong together as one indivisible nation throughout this trying period.
“We should accept it as nothing but a sacrifice for a passing phase in our nation’s history.
“Without sounding political, I believe our elder statesmen and leaders across the board should seize the opportunity of a time like this to send messages of hope to our people instead of spreading hopelessness and despair.”
(NAN)