NOA calls for peace as Igbo lawyers urge Buhari to curtail violence

Concerned by the rising tensions in the country, the National Orientation Agency (NOA) has appealed for peace, love and tolerance to stem the ugly tide while also urging authorities to rise up and caution their followers.

Director General of the Agency, Garba Abari, following reports of unrests in parts of the country, called for calm and restraint on the part of the citizens, urging the youths especially not to allow themselves be used as canon fodders to stoke the fires of unrest. He said Nigeria was going through trying moments and the youths must not allow unscrupulous elements take advantage of them to cause trouble.

Abari called on traditional and religious leaders to use their positions to preach love, peace and tolerance while urging parents, especially mothers, to caution their children and keep them away from mischief-makers.

Meanwhile, several lawyers under the umbrella body of Otu Oka Iwu Law Society have urged the presidency to demonstrate statesmanship, and show in very clear terms that he is the President of all Nigerians by de-escalating the tension and violence in the country.

In a statement signed by the president, Chuks Ikokwu, said President Buhari should take immediate restructuring steps to reduce the intensity of conflict and widespread disenchantment in Nigeria and should abide by the constitution, which he swore to defend and shun injustice by ensuring his appointments reflects the Federal Character principle. They warned that the present handling of IPOB is only assembling more members and sympathy for the group.