THE House of Representatives has strongly condemned the ultimatum by what it described as ‘agents of violence and terror’ to innocent Nigerians of the Christian faith to move out of certain states or face their wrath.
This came as it urged the Federal government and all security agencies to do everything possible to protect all Nigerians wherever they live within the country.
In the meantime, the Inspector-General of Police (IG), Hafiz Ringim, yesterday said the security forces would deal squarely with miscreants who may want to capitalise on the on-going protests over the removal of fuel subsidy.
The IG spoke yesterday at the Presidential Villa in Abuja at the end of the National Defence Council (NDC) meeting. The NDC comprises the President, IG, Director-General of the State Security Service (SSS), Service Chiefs as well as the Director General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA).
The IG also spoke on the threat that southerners should leave North: “Unfortunately, some people are feeling apprehensive and there is nothing you can do about it. They have the right to move and we want to give them assurance that we are ready and willing and determined more than never before to provide them with necessary security to remain wherever they want to remain in this country. However, if they want to move there is not much you can do about it, you can’t stop them.”
The parliament unequivocally condemned the unwarranted attacks on churches, mosques and other innocent Nigerians in those states by the same agents of violence and terror.
In a resolution following a motion of urgent public importance titled, “Unjustified Killings in parts of the Country,” brought by Samson Osagie, the Chamber urged elder statesmen and religious leaders irrespective of political leanings, not to remain silent but speak up in condemning terrorism.
Adopting the motion yesterday during plenary, the chamber further urged each state and zonal caucuses of the House of Representatives to undertake a visit to their respective constituencies with a view to educating their constituents on the evil of terrorism.
While commiserating with the families of the victims of these attacks and the Christian and Muslim communities whose churches and mosques were desecrated by the acts of terror, the lawmakers surged Nigerians of all ethnicities and faith, wherever they are now residing, not to flee as the House was extending full support to all security measures aimed at ensuring the security of lives and property of all Nigerians.
Osagie lamented the killings even when, according to him, Nigeria was a secular state as defined by the country’s constitution.
He condemned the bombing of places of worship and argued that until drastic actions were taken by the authorities, “these agents of terror and violence will continue.”
“The killing of innocent citizens is assuming a frightening ethnic and religious colouration reminiscent of the events leading to the Nigerian civil war.
“The signs of war are ominous and the development must therefore be condemned. Meaningful development can only take place in an atmosphere of peace and tranquility.
The lawmaker pointed out that the killings and general state of insecurity in the country call for urgent action on the part of the government and the co-operation of the people.”
On what the meeting discussed, the IG said: “This meeting centred on the progress so far made by law enforcement with regard to what has been happening within the last few days and we are satisfied that the NLC on its own has been conducting itself in the best peaceful manner. However, it is also believed that there are miscreants that are trying to hijack this process and make it violent and we are here not going to allow it as law enforcement officers.”
Citing violent incidences in parts of the country, he said: “Over 30 vehicles were burnt in Kano government house. Will you look at this and say this was the work of NLC? This was certainly not the work of NLC; this was the work of miscreants who wanted to burn, maim and loot and police have a responsibility to maintain law and order and that was what we did.
“As far as I know, as far as the records are concerned, three people have so far lost their lives. However, if you have any other dead bodies, please bring them forward”.
He also responded to a question on a boy that was allegedly shot dead by a divisional police officer in Lagos: “I have ordered for investigation and that is what am supposed to do and after the investigation, I have made a promise that the result will be made public and whoever is found culpable will be charged to court.”
On the possibility of protests leading to more loss of lives, he said: “I don’t think so. So far if you watch between yesterday and today things have started mellowing down’’.
