IPOB VS NIGERIA ARMY: APC RELEASES OFFICIAL STATEMENT ON ABIA STATE VIOLENCE

In a statement signed by the National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, Bolaji Abdullahi, on Wednesday, the ruling party has called for calm over recent clashes by IPOB and Nigerian military in Abia State.

APC urged members of IPOB, Nigerian soldiers, journalists and other involved to exercise restraint as each party “owe the peace and unity of our dear country to the present and unborn generations.


 
While emphasising the need to avoid internal wars, the party enjoined aggrieved citizens to ensure their agitations are peaceful and lawful.

“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.”

“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,’’ the statement read in part.

Source: Tori.ng