By Valentine Amanze
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has assured Nigerians that the emerging opportunistic crimes recorded in some parts of the country as a result of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic lockdown would soon end.
It also restated that the government would continue to take bold steps to secure the country and the citizenry despite the recent activities of the Boko Haram and other criminals in the country.
In a statement by Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, the
national publicity secretary, the APC pointed out that the key responsibility of government remained ensuring the safety and security of lives and property of all citizens.
The party urged Nigerians not to panic over the activities of the miscreants, reminding them that President Muhammadu Buhari has orderd a major and coordinated offensive by the Police, Army, Navy, Airforce and Directorate of State Services (DSS) against the criminals.
“There is no dispute about the hardships being faced by many citizens as a result of the unavoidable lockdown. However, we must resist criminal elements trying to exploit the situation and in the process inflicting further hardships on already stressed fellow Nigerians,” the party said.
It also warned the various vigilante groups to resist the urge to resort to unlawful and extra-judicial actions in the name of protecting communities.
According to the party, there are already disturbing reports of vigilantes terrorising innocent citizens, stressing, “What we all need now is to offer ourselves support and ensure we provide as much comfort as possible for one another.”
On hunger in the society, the ruling party noted the efforts of the
government and private concerns in providing relief materials to the citizens.
Besides, it pleaded to every Nigerian to join the nation’s security services in protecting the communities from miscreants.
On the Coronavirus, the APC said that Nigeria was recording great success in tracking, testing suspected cases and generally containing further spread of the COVID-19.
“We have achieved greater awareness of and adherence to public health directives as it relates to social distancing and other preventive protocols. We are confident that the fight against the global pandemic will be won soon and we all will be able to return to our normal lives and activities,” it stated.
It however urged Nigerians to continue to stay safe.