Independent television owners harps peace, calls on citizens to unite against crime, disintegration
Independent Broadcasting Association of Nigeria (IBAN), has called on Nigerian’s to unite towards eliminating insecurity.
The group which is an Association of owners of private and independent television and radio stations in Nigeria, pledged to address common challenges, foster and enhance relations towards achieving this purpose.
In a press statement issued on Saturday, by the Association’s Chairman, Guy Murray Bruce and Vice Chairman Alh (Dr) Ahmed Tijjani Ramalan, the group bemoaned the current challenges of that have bedeviled Nigeria, adding that it is undoubtedly of great concern to all well-meaning Nigerians.
IBAN’s statement partly states, “What started as a regional concern has now become ubiquitous in every part of the country. Today, the level of criminality being perpetrated on a daily basis across the country through acts of terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and violent herders/farmers clashes, and the resultant loss of innocent lives and property is unprecedented and therefore, not acceptable by any global standard. The danger looming over our nation is real and palpable.
“Dealing with these challenges requires the collective resolve, determination, commitment and resilience of all Nigerians. Unfortunately, the discordant tunes and actions that have accompanied heightened incidences of insecurity in different parts of the country have exposed our susceptibility to centrifugal forces of regionalism, ethnicity and religion. The unnecessary tension this has generated in the polity portends great danger for the peace, unity and corporate existence of our country. This can only serve the evil agenda of those who do not mean well for our country.
“As patriots, we have strong faith in the unity, indivisibility and indissolubility of our country as solemnly declared in our constitution. We have, therefore, decided to add our voice to the voices of reason to appeal for peace and unity in the face of these challenges. We call on all Nigerians to be guided by our resolve as a people with common destiny to live together as a united and peaceful country.”
The group further warned against any act capable of causing disaffection in the country, adding that “As a nation, we cannot imagine or contemplate war or disintegration as all of us will surely be consumed. How do you execute war in a country where citizens from diverse backgrounds are so inter-woven? The path of war must be avoided at all cost. We appeal to those beating the drums of war to immediately truncate this evil enterprise and allow sense of reasoning to prevail.
“As an Association of patriotic and peace-loving Nigerians who seek the peace, growth and development of Nigeria, we wish to strongly appeal that:
“Nigerians should set aside all forms of primordial sentiments, emotions and agitations, and consider those who kill and destroy innocent lives across the country as our common enemies. They must be identified and treated as such.
“Governments at all levels and their relevant agencies must synergize for greater success. We therefore expect public officials to speak and act with one voice in order to send strong signals to criminals that we are united in this war.”
