Abdullahi M. Gulloma
President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday called on the political class to desist from making provocative remarks capable of derailing the democratic process as the nation prepares for elections in 2015.
Speaking at an inter-party forum at the International Conference Centre in Abuja, Jonathan said politics can only be done when there is a country and where there is peace.
He said: “Such unguarded utterances on their part fester the embers of discord, bitterness and rancour. Such unfortunate development plays into the hands of extremist elements waging a vicious campaign of terror against the state. The recent mindless bombings and killings of innocent Nigerians in the FCT, Jos in Plateau state, the killings in Adamawa state including that of the traditional rulers as well as the heartless criminal abduction of over 200 school girls from Chibok, are better addressed by a political class united in its commitment to defend the polity irrespective of political differences.
“We must never politicise the fundamentals and core imperatives of defending the state as to do so can only embolden the terrorists and other enemies of our republics who will seek to employ any perceived political and social division for their nefarious ends. We must never give them such opportunity. Our political parties must remain positive and constructive in their engagements as we seek to build virile and stable nation that can compete with other states in the world.”
The president said there was the need for politicians to be patriotic and work together for the common good of the nation irrespective of their political, tribal and religious backgrounds.
He also called on politicians to stick together in order to be able to forge a united front against the deadly Boko Haram scourge and other security challenges, stressing that the atmosphere of bitterness and rancour caused by inflammatory comments cannot foster the kind development which Nigerian people are yearning for.
He said the summit, which was attended by former leaders, ruling party chieftains and key opposition figures, was an opportunity for all stakeholders with different ideologies to point to the way forward for the nation.
“This summit today, attended by all political parties in Nigeria therefore offer the opportunities for political parties and indeed politicians to reflect and review the possible consequences their actions, conducts and utterances in the recent past have had and will have on our polity and corporate existence.