The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) on Wednesday pleaded for calm and restraint following the violent clashes between the invading soldiers of the Nigerian military and defiant members of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) in some parts of Abia State.
The military had embarked on what the called a show of force code named Operation Python Dance 2 in the South East region of the country. On Sunday, they barricaded the country home of the IPOB leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, attracting widespread condemnation from Nigerians.
Abia State governor, Okezie Ikpeazu, on Tuesday imposed a curfew in the commercial city of Aba from 6pm to 6am to forestall violence and unnecessary loss of lives.
The APC said in a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, and made available to The Niche said it is calling for “calm and restraint following recent reports of violent clashes linked to members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in Abia and Rivers State.”
“The party also regrets the incident at the National Union of Journalist (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.
“When we see the devastation of the country’s North East by Boko Haram, the 1966 Nigerian civil war and similar conflicts in other countries, we are reminded of the effects of internal strife.
“We must not yield to elements beating the drumbeats of war. We owe the peace and unity of our dear country to the present and unborn generations. We must speak and stand up for peaceful coexistence on our social media platforms, places of worship and all other public spaces we belong.
“On the backdrop of recent agitations and actions which have the potential of undermining the unity of our country and our relationship across religious and ethnic divides, the party cautions that we must ensure that such agitations are peaceful and lawful. The party reiterates its belief that it is in our collective interest to support and remain steadfast to the cause of a united Nigeria.”