Former President Goodluck Jonathan has called for the exchange of ideas among Nigerians instead of insults and threats that are now common place on social media and pages of newspapers.
Jonathan, who stated this on his Facebook wall on Friday, while reacting to growing tension in the South East and other parts of the country, appealed to men of all good will in the country to push for peaceful coexistence and restraints.
The former leader’s reaction which is coming against the backdrop of the Nigeria Army’s operation python dance in the cities of Aba and Umuahia in Abia State leading to the proscription of the activities of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
He said, “The reports I have received about recent developments in the country lead me to appeal to all men of good will to use whatever influence they have to push for peaceful coexistence and restraint on all sides.
“Perhaps it is time for the Council of State to intervene and offer its wise counsel. Irrespective of whatever provocation, Nigerians must never turn on each other. Even in the face of difficult circumstances, we must have faith that God in His infinite wisdom will guide us to finding a way out that is fair and just to all concerned.
“In as much as there may be a need to enforce order, there is a greater need to reinforce our humanity and treat Nigerian citizens humanely whether they be from the North or South. Nothing justifies the desecration and destruction of religious places of worship or a police station. But even more so, nothing justifies the endangering of human life.
“Let us exchange ideas instead of exchanging insults and threats. Nigeria is going through tough times because God wants us to grow through tough times. We must be resolute as a people even as we know that it is impossible to deny the brotherhood of all Nigerians after over a century of a shared commonwealth. GEJ.”
