Former military president, Ibrahim Babangida, has advised Nigerians not to give up hope over the challenges bedevilling the country, saying, “this too shall pass.”

Mr Babangida spoke to journalists as part of activities to commemorate his 81st birthday in his Minna residence on Wednesday.

“I plead with us to be patient with one another and be prayerful for God’s intervention in our socio-economic and political activities.

“We need to continue to sensitise people on how to live in peace and harmony for peace, progress and the continuous existence as a nation,” he said.

He also called on Nigerians to steer clear of hate speech and other acts capable of causing disunity in the country.

Mr Babangida has also advised Nigerians to ignore unpatriotic politicians and individuals whose trade stock was disrupting the nation’s peace.

The former leader said this was imperative as campaigns for the 2023 general elections would soon commence.

Mr Babangida urged Nigerians to keep faith in the country’s unity and remain resolute that Nigeria will get better.

“If the media and journalists ignore the spreaders of hate, they will not have a platform to pass their messages across.

“I implore you to ignore those that preach hate and disunity. Ignore them and don’t bother about them.”

The former president said that the media could shape how Nigerians behave, urging, “you should put in more deliberate efforts to change the Nigerian narrative.”

(NAN)