- The All Progressives Congress is calling on citizens to remain calm, following the clashes between IPOB members and soldiers, as the Army carries out its Operation Python Dance campaign in the south east
- The ruling party called for restraint among all parties, and also registered its regret over the incident at the NUJ Secretariat in Umuahia, where some journalists were assaulted
- The APC urged citizens to allow the Army carry out its constitutional duties, while also stressing that it is in the collective interest of all citizens to remain steadfast in the cause for a united Nigeria
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has appealed for calm, following the recent clashes in Abia state between members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), and the Nigerian Army, Premium Times reports.
NAIJ.com notes that the ruling party’s comments were contained in a statement signed by Bolaji Abdullahi, the party’s national publicity secretary.
READ ALSO: Southeast Professionals in Diaspora praises Army for Operation Python Dance
In the statement, the party called on party’s involved including IPOB, journalists and soldiers, to exercise restraint, as it stated that all parties “owe the peace and unity of our dear country to the present and unborn generations”.
The statement further read: “The Party also regrets the incident at the National Union of Journalists (NUJ) Secretariat in Umuahia, Abia State capital, where some journalists were assaulted.
“Commendably, the Nigerian Army has tendered its apology and is investigating the matter.
“While the party insists that security agencies must adhere with globally-stipulated rules of engagements and laws governing their operations, we must allow our security agencies to conduct their constitutional roles of securing lives and property without hindrance and provocation.
“We also call on citizens, social commentators, media influencers and other stakeholders to be careful and mindful of their utterances on the clashes.
“Stoking tensions by inciting utterances, hate speech and all other forms of awful propaganda will only push the country to the precipice.
“We must not yield to elements beating the drumbeats of war. We must speak and stand up for peaceful coexistence on our social media platforms, places of worship and all other public spaces we belong.
“The party reiterates its belief that it is in our collective interest to support and remain steadfast to the cause of a united Nigeria.”
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Meanwhile, NAIJ.com previously reported that that there has been apprehension within government circles in Abia state that the ongoing clash between IPOB youths and the Nigerian military might prompt the federal government to declare a state of emergency in the state.
This may have informed the dusk-to-dawn curfew announced by the state governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu on Tuesday, September 12.
Watch this NAIJ.com TV video of Nnamdi Kanu's lawyer reacting to the alleged invasion of his client's house by the Army
Source: Naij.com
ROSY CREST
Wednesday, 13 September 2017