A coalition of Civil Society Organisations known as the Global Network for Sustainable Development has expressed worry over the current situation in the country while urging Nigerians to remain calm.
The organisation therefore warned individuals, groups or political parties against provocative utterances capable of inciting society to violence.
The National Co-ordinator of the group, Amb. Phil Roberts, gave the advice at a news conference on Tuesday in Abuja.
“We are here in solidarity with the people of our dear Nation in such a historic moment as this, as a coalition of Civil Society Organisation’s, we represent the overall interests of the society.
“We are critical stakeholders in Democracy generally, and in the conduct of elections in particular, the most fundamental feature of democracy is free, credible and fair elections.
“We, therefore, express constructive views and concerns of our people in line with democratic tenets, and in compliance with all applicable provisions for the expression of civil and political opinions,” he said.
According to him, any deviations or departure from these vital elements renders the whole electoral process an exercise in futility.
“To speak out against electoral malpractices and rigging, should not be taken as public incitement to violence.
“As civil society organisations, we monitored the elections and from what we saw it is obvious that those inciting people to violence are those who hired armed thugs to intimidate and harass citizens, making it difficult, if not impossible for them to freely exercise their franchise.
‘As watchdogs from the youth fronts, we want to use this medium to urge all politicians, political parties and their stakeholders to be mindful of the way they speak as the polity is already heated up.
”We, therefore, take the statement by one Mr. Dele Alake , Special Advicer, Media and Communication, All Progressive Congress , Presidential Campaign Council, for the apprehension of the cleric, Dr Paul Enenche, the Senior Pastor of Dunamis International Gospel Centre, and others as a direct affront on democracy and freedom of speech in this country.
“As a free citizen of this country, and a major stakeholder in society, Dr Paul Enenche has the freedom to express his opinions in matters of national importance.”
Dr Salihu Dantata, Director of Security, Arewa Youths for Peace and Security, said that everyone had rights to speak and should not be stopped from expressing their views.
“Our fathers of Faith who have been speaking the truth should not be threatened , I see no reason why somebody should call for his arrest.
Pastor Love Sheyin, speaking on behalf of the Youth Wing of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN)noted that strategic solutions should be brought forward to solve the issues revolving around the elections to dispel any form of violence among the youths.
They called on all political parties to also be careful in their choice of words in such a time as this because as patriots of this country we believe in Nigeria. Thus we don’t have any other place to call home.
Source – NAN