We Must Unite Against Attacks on National Interest

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Published on Saturday, 18 August 2012 17:01

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August 18, 2012.

 PRESS STATEMENT

We Must Unite Against Attacks on National Interest.

As Nigerians join the world Muslim community in marking the Eid el Fitri celebration, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) wishes to reiterate the importance of patriotism, peaceful coexistence and a greater national consensus on matters that affect our collective well being. We wish to state that the task of ensuring peace and stability in Nigeria is not a burden for the PDP or President Goodluck Jonathan alone. We therefore call on our elders, leaders and opinion leaders to continue preaching the message of peace and unity amongst our people. We are happy to observe the efforts of prominent Nigerian leaders who have been promoting efforts of Government in tackling the current challenges that face the Nation.

The PDP ) wishes to specifically commend the  patriotic intervention of the duo of General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (GCFR) and Alhaji Atiku Abubakar (GCON) in their call for Nigerians to rally round President Goodluck Jonathan to tackle the security and economic challenges facing the nation, and the condemnation of secessionists threats by a few misguided elements. 

The pronouncements by the elder statesmen at a time some self seeking individuals and political groups are fanning the embers of hatred and division is a joyful reminder that there are still highly respected leaders who are willing to rise above narrow sectional considerations for the overall stability of the country. 

Nigerians will recall that General Babangida in his media parley to celebrate his 71st birthday described calls for the resignation of the President as "laughable".  Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar also echoed the same voice, urging Nigerians to put aside politics and join hands in preventing the threat to our corporate existence by some ethnic organizations. We commend the statesmanly disposition of these distinguished political icons and urge Nigerians to take a cue from this.

 We appreciate that in a multiparty democracy, there are different views on governance. However, the plurality of views must never be allowed to threaten the corporate existence of the Country. Nigeria must remain our common denominator inspite of our different political and cultural orientations.

As we celebrate the end of the Holy month of Ramadan, we wish to appeal to all Nigerians to hold onto the lessons of the holy month which are supplication to the almighty, sacrifice and brotherly love for one another. We cannot claim to be people of faith if our actions negate the fundamental prescriptions of our creator.

We wish Nigerians a happy sallah celebration as we strive to live in peace with our fellow compatriots.

Chief Olisa Metuh

National Publicity Secretary