Comments by aggrieved politicians can instigating violence – CSOs warn

By Christiana Ekpa

The Citizen Development and Education (CDE) and Center for Peace and Environmental Justice have warned that uncomplimentary and unguarded statements from aggrieved politicians are capable of instigating violence in the country.

Addressing a press conference on behalf of the groups on Wednesday in Abuja, the Executive Director of CDE, Ibrahim Waiya, stressed that it was natural for people to have their expectations in a particular election but must not allow their expectations take away the sense of maturity, reasoning and judgment over right or wrong, especially at a larger perspective where the lives of many innocent citizens may be at stake.

He expressed worry about the unfolding political happenings in the country, through the actions and inactions of some politicians.

The groups said the unhealthy developments if allowed to continue would surely affect the sustainability of Nigeria’s Democracy and peaceful coexistence.

The groups added that some enemies of the country have also systematically taken cover under the pretext of the conduct of the just concluded elections to cause chaos and disharmony amongst the Nigerian citizens.

They condemned all utterances and unguarded statements promoted directly or through proxy by any politician or religious leader along ethnic, regional or religious sentiment capable of inciting violence in Nigeria.

It also unequivocally condemned all advocacies for the establishment of an interim government in Nigeria.

Waiya said it was against this background that the groups resolved to rise to the occasion by countering scripted campaigns to destabilise the country, through the constructive engagement of Nigerians to rescue the country before it is ditched into a crisis that may consume everyone.

He stated: “Similarly, our increased concerns centres on the continuous promotion of incitement and uncomplimentary statements from the quarters of the aggrieved politicians and other enemies of our country who have also systematically taken cover under the pretext of the conduct of elections to cause chaos and disharmony amongst the Nigerian citizen.

“We condemn all utterances and unguarded statements promoted directly or through proxy by any politician or religious leader along ethnic, regional or religious sentiment capable of inciting violence in Nigeria, especially at this critical period of our democratic transition.”

The groups urged all aggrieved politicians to stick to the legal process for redress as provided by the legal system, saying they should desist from threatening, intimidating and discrediting the same system they are seeking to serve.