BEVERLY HILLS, September 16, (THEWILL) – Former President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan has expressed concern over recent developments in the country, asserting that Nigerians must never turn against each other notwithstanding what may be the provocation.
He spoke at a time the military declared the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra, IPOB, a militant terrorist organisation, with South-East governors prescribing the activities of the group in the zone.
A military operation, code-named Exercise Python Dance II took off this week in the South-East, disrupting economic activities in Aba and leading to deaths, destruction and arrests.
Aside the South-East, there is security alert in some states in the North following the reported killing of Hausa residents in Port Harcourt, River state, and clash in Plateau state.
In an apparent reaction, the immediate past president sought the intervention of the Council of State in the situation, insisting that Nigerians must be treated humanely regardless of whether they are from the North or South.
In a message posted on his Facebook page on Friday night, he wrote: “The reports I have received about recent developments in the country lead me to appeal to all men of good will to use whatever influence they have to push for peaceful coexistence and restraint on all sides. Perhaps it is time for the Council of State to intervene and offer its wise counsel. Irrespective of whatever provocation, Nigerians must never turn on each other.
“Even in the face of difficult circumstances, we must have faith that God in His infinite wisdom will guide us to finding a way out that is fair and just to all concerned. In as much as there may be a need to enforce order, there is a greater need to reinforce our humanity and treat Nigerian citizens humanely whether they be from the North or South.
“Nothing justifies the desecration and destruction of religious places of worship or a police station. But even more so, nothing justifies the endangering of human life. Let us exchange ideas instead of exchanging insults and threats. Nigeria is going through tough times because God wants us to grow through tough times. We must be resolute as a people even as we know that it is impossible to deny the brotherhood of all Nigerians after over a century of a shared commonwealth.”
About the Author
