By Terfa Naswem
Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki has urged all Nigerians to maintain peace and avoid statements or actions that can threaten the peace of the nation.
Commenting on developments in the South-east where there were reported clashes between the military and members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) as well as the ethnic crisis in Plateau State, Saraki in a statement by his Special Adviser (Media and Publicity) advised Nigerians to remain calm and not do anything that would aggravate the tension in some parts of the country.
He noted that " the tension in some parts of the country has its roots substantially in the economic situation. The nation should be assured that the fruits of some of the legislative and executive actions taken to address the economic problems are beginning to yield fruits. That is why we recently witnessed the rebound of the economy and the exit of the country from recession."
"I want to appeal to our people to avoid stoking ethnic or religious fires. We should not deepen the fault lines of our nation and place citizens in danger of violence and sustained crises. The government requires the support of all Nigerians and we should please give peace a chance. No real development or genuine economic activity can take place in the midst of crisis or tension. Investments and development thrive only where there is peace.
"It is my advice to all our leaders of thought - political, traditional, religious and business- to make statements and take actions that will douse the tension and reassure the people that the best way is for us to live together in peace, harmony and co-operation. All leaders at this point must canvass support for government and preach peace, love and harmony.
"The Senate leadership will soon meet with security chiefs and we will work for the promotion of dialogue as well as peaceful resolution of all contentious issues. Once again, I plead with our people to avoid taking laws into their hands or antagonizing our neighbours”, he said
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