Abdulsalami To Nigerians: ‘We Need To Give Peace A Chance

AbdulsalamiA former Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd) has said the country can only achieve meaningful progress if the people peacefully live together as one.

He spoke at the commissioning of a 110-bed ultra-modern General Hospital named after him by the Niger State Government at Gulu, in Lapai Local Government Area.

The elder statesman called on Nigerians to play their role in maintaining peace and harmony in the country.

Gen. Abdulsalami said: “I want to appeal to all Nigerians to play their role in maintaining peace and harmony of our country. We need to give peace a chance. Without peace, there will be no country and without peace, we cannot use the infrastructures the government is laying down for us”.

He added: “I am happy that the Niger State government has found it worthwhile to construct this hospital and name it after me. I am honoured with this humanitarian magnitude. It is of particular significance as we refocus and re-strategise towards building institutions and infrastructures for the good of the people, it is my prayers that this approach in the health sector is sustained”.

Inaugurating the N923 million health facility, the state Governor, Dr. Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu said the selfless services the former Head of State has rendered informed the naming of the hospital after him.

Aliyu noted that the commitment of the former military leader to democracy has earned him the reputation of the father of modern democracy in the country, adding that the nation is a beneficiary of his efforts towards the restoration of democratic rule.

“General Abdulsalami Abubakar is one of the illustrious sons of Niger State and Nigeria, he has earned himself the reputation as the father of modern democracy in Nigeria who disciplined himself and transit the country from military regime to democracy. He has given us the foundation and we would continue to build on it”.

Speaking earlier, the Commissioner of Health, Dr. Ibrahim Babaminin Sule said in the last six years, the state government had employed 450 health workers including 80 doctors, who have been motivated with the new salary scale for health workers approved by the federal government, regular trainings and refresher courses.