This came as the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has deplored the senseless killing of innocent citizens in Baga and Maiduguri in Borno State and called on Nigerians to declare one month of prayers for the over flowing troubles from greedy Nigerian politicians.
The Chairman of the forum, Dr. Muazu Babangida Aliyu, who made this known at the 25th anniversary of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) Living Stone Parish, where he was given an award for meritorious service to humanity in Minna, said the attack was uncalled for.
He therefore appealed to non-indigenes in the state to forget about mass return to their home towns for apparent fear of the aftermath of next month general election, pleading that the mass movement out of the state should stop while assuring of adequate security and protection of lives and property of all Nigerians resident in the state.
“I appeal to you not to run away from Minna, and other parts of the state because of the fear of the coming election.
“We will do whatever is necessary to protect lives and property. Please don’t run and cause more problems for yourselves while the people you leave behind are safe.
He said despite the already tensed atmosphere ahead of the elections, the general election would be peaceful and that results must be accepted whichever way they go.
Aliyu appealed to Nigerians not to allow their desires to destroy the nation, adding that it was easier to destroy than to build,” he said.
Also in a statement signed by Aliyu’s Chief Press Secretary, Israel Ebije, and made available to THISDAY, he described as mischief-makers the originators of the campaign posters carrying the image of Aliyu and General Muhammadu Buhari for senate and presidential election respectively.
Aliyu said it was the handiwork of enemies of democracy, adding that desperate politicians have resorted to fabricating campaign posters to mislead and cause friction among the Niger State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) loyalists.
Meanwhile, the PDP has also decried last Saturday’s attack on President Jonathan’s campaign vehicles in Jos, describing it as a barbaric act that should be condemned by all lovers of democracy.
The PDP National Publicity Secretary, Olisa Metuh, in a statement yesterday said the agenda of the sponsors of the various violence in the country is to provoke revenge and counter attacks, but called for restrain from all quarters, adding that “the nation cannot afford any kind of tension at this stage of its political development.”
The party said it remained committed to peace and as such, directed all its members not to retaliate despite the provocations.
“The PDP is totally committed to the unity and peace of our dear nation.
This is paramount and must not be compromised. Those who seek to use violence to truncate the electoral process and destabilise our nation will be utterly disappointed. Our country will continue to be and the 2015 general elections will come and go peacefully.
PDP then called on the law enforcement agencies to rise up to the challenge and bring to book all those behind the condemnable act so as to serve as deterrent to violent prone youths and their sponsors.
“Our prayer is that God should keep Nigeria from being ruined by the over-flowing troubles of greedy and corrupt politicians; and our future being marred on account of personal or sectional interest. We urge every Nigerian therefore to include the peaceful conduct of the general
election in their prayers for 30 days, beginning from January 15.”
