From Adanna Nnamani, Abuja
The Citizen Development and Education (CDE) and Center for Peace and Environmental Justice have raised concerns over the ongoing promotion of incitement and critical statements by some disgruntled politicians.
The organizations claimed in a press conference on Wednesday that some of the nation’s enemies were using the just ended elections as cover to sow discord and disorder among Nigerians.
Speaking at the event in Abuja, the Convener and Executive Director of CDE, Ibrahim Waiya, criticized all public pronouncements and unguarded words that any politician or religious leader made in an effort to stir up ethnic, regional, or religious conflict in Nigeria.
He also denounced all calls for the installation of an interim government in Nigeria, highlighting the fact that while it was normal for people to have their own expectations for a particular election, that should not be an excuse to undermine maturity, reasoning, and judgment, particularly from a larger perspective where the lives of numerous innocent citizens may be at risk.
Waiya stated: “We are worried with the unfolding political happenings in the country, through the actions and inactions of some politicians. It is our belief that, these unhealthy development if allowed to continue would surely affect the sustainability of the Nigerian Democracy, and peaceful co – existence, annd therefore, resolved to rise up to the occasion by countering these scripted campaigns to destabilise the country, through the constructive engagement of Nigerians to rescue our dear country, before it is ditched into a crisis that may consume us.
“Similarly, our increased concerns center on the continuous promotion of incitement and uncomplimentary statements from the quarters of the aggrieved politicians, and other enemies of our country who have also systematically taken cover under the pretext of the conduct of elections to cause chaos and disharmony amongst the Nigerian citizens. ”
The groups noted that the situation therefore calls for a concerted efforts to contain the boiling angers of some Nigerians, whose expectations turned out to be negative.
They urged all aggrieved politicians to stick to the legal process for redress as provided by the legal system, saying they should desist from threatening, intimidating and discrediting the same system they are seeking to serve.
They also called on international organizations and communities to exercise restraint in submitting to the sentiments of some politicians, who are hell bent on destabilising the country, as Nigeria direly needs the support of its friends at this critical time of transition, to salvage the nascent democracy in the interest of Africa’s stability and the world at large.
The groups urged the incoming administration of Bola Tinubu to run an all-inclusive government to give a sense of belonging to every region, ethnic, religious and political affiliations.