By Odili Christel
L-R: OkekeAnya, (Snr. Programme Officer, CISLAC), Jaye Gaskia (National Coordinator, Protest to Power Movement), Auwal Ibrahim Musa,
(Rfsanjani, Executive Director, CISLAC), Salaudeen Hashim and Kolawole Banwo, (SPO, CISLAC)
The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) and Protest to Power (P2P) movement has expressed concern over the on-going agitations by some groups calling for separation from Nigeria and also on those issuing ultimatum to Nigerian citizens to leave some parts of the country.
The Executive Director CISLAC Auwal Ibrahim Musa (Rafsanjani), stressed that any group agitating for division and separation from Nigeria to tread carefully and discontinue unguarded call for provocative agitations utilizing increasing divisive rhetoric or verbal attacks that may further intensify the present tension-soaked moment, and engender the outbreak of violence.
The Director, disclosed during a joint press conference on 22nd June 2017 in Abuja, that according to the constitution every citizen of Nigeria is entitled to move freely throughout the country and reside in any part, emphasizing that no citizen should be expelled from Nigeria or refused entry in any form.
According to him, “Although the constitution guarantees freedom of expression, however: related experiences both within Nigeria and across the continent have revealed that freedom of expression, if not exercised with caution, occasionally gives room to dangerous speech, which can incite violence and lead to a breach of peace”.
“we understand the complexity, dynamism and sensitivity associated with ethno-cultural and religious issues and relations in the country, continuing on the negative side of combative and mutually antagonistic ethnic and religious rhetoric can only breed divisive and dehumanizing violent tendencies, which if left unchecked can escalate and degenerate into catastrophic national disintegration”, he said.
He called on any group who are opposed to separatist or self-determination agitations to also desist from taking actions capable of provoking violence, Auwal Ibrahim also called on the media to display high level of nationalism and patriotism and also ensure that their reportage place a premium on unity, peace and security of the nation and its citizens.
Also speaking the National Coordinator, Protest to Power Movement Abuja, Mr. Jaye Gaska, stressed on the need of interest groups across the various divide to shun statements that are inciting, threatening and inflammatory and also capable of jeopardizing the peace, security and general well-being of the entire citizenry.
Mr. Jaye noted that there should be strict adherence to and respect for the fundamental human rights of every citizens to reside and legally conduct commercial activities anywhere in the country.
He further urged relevant authorities to ensure that the fundamental rights of citizens are protected and public order is maintained.