The All Progressives Congress (APC) has cautioned members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) over the recent clashes in Abia and Rivers states, saying that the country “must not yield to elements beating the drumbeats of war.”
The party also cautioned social commentators, media influencers and other stakeholders to be mindful of their utterances on the clashes
There were reported violent clashes between security forces and the IPOB group in Abia and Rivers state.
In a statement signed Tuesday in Abuja by the National Publicity Secretary, Malam Bolaji Abdullahi, the party also expressed regrets over the incident at the National Union of Journalist (NUJ) Secretariat in Umuahia, Abia state capital, where some journalists were assaulted.
While calling for calm and restraint, APC insisted that security agencies must adhere with globally-stipulated rules of engagements and laws governing their operations.
“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 recent agitations and actions which APC believe have the potential of undermining the unity of Nigeria, the party cautioned that “we must ensure that such agitations are peaceful and lawful.”
It, however, reiterated the APC’s belief that “it is in our collective interest to support and remain steadfast to the cause of a united Nigeria.”
