As ethnic crises continue to sweep across the country resulting in killings and violence, as well as the military invasion of South East, the immediate past president has sent a message to his successor.
Buhari and Jonathan
In a message posted on his official Facebook page, former President Goodluck Jonathan has advised President Muhammadu Buhari to summon a Council of State meeting to advise him on the crisis in the South-East, according to Punch newspaper.
The Council of State is an advisory body which comprises former Presidents, serving governors, the Chief Justice of Nigeria and a few other prominent Nigerians.
Jonathan who said the tension across the country was unfortunate even as he condemned the burning of a police station by the Indigenous People of Biafra members, also condemned the threat to human life by several elements across Nigeria.
He wrote, “The reports I have received about recent developments in the country lead me to appeal to all men of good will to use whatever influence they have to push for peaceful coexistence and restraint on all sides.
“Perhaps it is time for the Council of State to intervene and offer its wise counsel. Irrespective of whatever provocation, Nigerians must never turn on each other.
“Even in the face of difficult circumstances, we must have faith that God in His infinite wisdom will guide us to finding a way out that is fair and just to all concerned.”
While calling for calm, Jonathan said Nigerians must continue to show love to one another as this was the only way to ensure the continued existence of the country, and called for dialogue among aggrieved parties instead of violence.
He added, “Inasmuch as there may be the need to enforce order, there is a greater need to reinforce our humanity and treat Nigerian citizens humanely whether they are from the North or South.
“Nothing justifies the desecration and destruction of religious places of worship or a police station. But even more so, nothing justifies the endangering of human life. Let us exchange ideas instead of exchanging insults and threats.”