Life of President Goodluck Jonathan, Patience, has decried the spate of violence in the country, urging the Nigerian women to rise up to the challenge.
She made the remark at a two-day peace advocacy visit to the Ebonyi State capital Abakaliki, on Thursday.
She said, “The time is now that the women of Nigeria should speak up and say enough is enough, we can no longer bear the agony of watching our husbands, children, loved ones and neighbours die before our eyes?
“Violence and disrespect to constituted authorities are alien to our culture. We must therefore employ dialogue always as it remains the most viable means to resolve conflict. Today we declare, we shall no longer be sudden widows or let our children become ophans when we can enjoy our families. It is peace we want, peace and nothing but peace.’’
She faulted “desperate politicians” who in a bid to secure power by all means foment violence in the country.
She said, “If you are a politician who believes in bloodshed, instead of you to kill, why not take defeat? Because if you kill the people, who will you rule?
“Today, let us go to the round-table and dialogue. Misunderstanding and disagreement can be resolved at the round table. There is nothing we cannot resolve. Let us not kill one another.’’
The wife of the president challenged the people of Ebonyi State to embrace peace and put an end to the recurrent communal clashes in the state.
PUNCHNG
