Aminu Tambuwal, Speaker of the House of Representatives, today frowned at the activities of persons whose utterances are not congenial to public order and may bring an end to democracy in Nigeria.
He therefore charged security agencies in the country to go after those involved in such act.
Addressing his colleagues at the lower legislative chambers, at the resumption from recess for the 2015 general elections, Tambuwal stated that, "My dear Colleagues, recent inflammatory utterances by some Nigerians which are inimical to our unity, peace and public order give cause for serious concern and I am persuaded that the nonchalance or at best reluctance of the security agencies in resorting to the laws of the land in arresting the trend constitute a direct affront on the revered doctrine of the rule of law.
"Nigerians have never needed intimidation or threats from any quarters to vote candidates at elections and they surely do not need any now. Our Constitution makes elaborate provisions for the rights and liberties of all citizens and therefore when certain misguided individuals or groups seek to unlawfully curtail these rights and liberties, the appropriate agencies of state must rise as a bulwark against such infractions.
"Again on behalf of the House of Representatives, may I commend our armed forces and security agencies who are laying down their lives daily in the prosecution of the military action against the insurgency in the North Eastern States of Adamawa, Borno and Yobe.
"Our Armed Forces have over the years proven their gallantary in both national as well as international assignments and we are confident that the present challenge will not be an exception.
"The Legislature has consistently supported the quest for a well armed and highly motivated armed forces through appropriation. Recent information that arms, ammunition and other equipment are now being delivered to the armed forces is therefore heart warming and we urge that this be sustained.
"Honourable Colleagues, last week the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), announced the abrupt postponement of the general elections earlier scheduled for the 14th and 28th of February 2015 respectively.
"Expectedly public reaction to this unfortunate development has been spontaneous, intense and varied. The preponderance of opinion is that the postponement was ill timed, the blame on security concerns notwithstanding.
"This singular act has inflicted an indelible dent on the integrity of the 2015 elections and indeed the country’s entire electoral process. Government owes Nigerians a duty to make deliberate and honest efforts to restore public confidence in the process and in it’s commitment to free, fair, peaceful and transparent elections.
"On behalf of the House of Representatives I wish to commend the political parties, civil society, the International Community and indeed all Nigerians for the maturity employed in handling this unfortunate development.
"May I appeal to all Nigerians to sustain the spirit and zeal so that on the rescheduled dates, they will go out en mass and exercise their civic responsibility of casting their votes for candidates of their choice without let or hindrance."
Photo: Thenewsnigeria
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