APC calls for restraint after IPOB-army clash

September 13, 2017 9:49 pm

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has called for calm and restraint following the reports of a clash between the Nigerian army and members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in Abia and Rivers states.

In a statement on Wednesday, Bolaji Abdullahi, spokesman of the APC, urged security agencies to adhere to globally-stipulated rules of engagements and laws in their operations.

He also called on media influencers to be careful about their utterances on the clashes.

The APC spokesman said Nigerians must not yield to the drum beats of war.

“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 states,” the statement read.

“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 insists 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.

“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 drum beats 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 co-existence on our social media platforms, places of worship and all other public spaces we belong.”

The APC further cautioned that agitations should be 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,” it read.