The All Progressives Congress (APC) has said that security agencies currently carrying-out military operation code-named Operation Python Dance II must be allowed free hand to conduct their constitutional roles of securing lives and property without hindrance and provocation.
The party stated this in a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, in reaction to the recent reports of violent clashes between members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in Abia and Rivers State and the Nigerian army.
The Party, however, said it regrets the incident at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Secretariat in Umuahia, Abia State capital, where some journalists were assaulted.
The statement reads: “The All Progressives Congress (APC) calls 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 insist 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.”
