Dennisnaku
30 December 2011
Port Harcourt — Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State has said that the Christmas day bombing in Madalla, Niger State should not be seen as a declaration of war between Christians and Muslims, saying both faiths subscribe to the worship of one God.
Amaechi who stated this during the Emblem Appeal Launching to mark the 2012 Armed Forces and Remembrance Day in Port Harcourt State capital on Thursday, also said there was enemity between the two religions.
“There is no enmity between Christians and Muslims. The security challenges we have witnessed in the last few days are caused by miscreants who do things that if we are not careful could be misinterpreted.
“Once there is misinterpretation, it could lead to agitation,” the governor said, while dismissing any insinuations that it has religious undertones.
Amaechi, who was represented by his deputy, Engr. Tele Ikuru, urged opinion leaders, elder statesmen, traditional rulers, religious leaders and other stakeholders to enlighten their people to eschew violence, warning that “the worst thing that can happen to any nation is a civil disorder or civil war”.
The NGF Chairman urged the citizens to assist the security agencies to tackle criminality in the society, saying, “We need to know that the issue of security is not the absolute prerogative of the security agencies.
“We all need to watch our neighbours’ back because the next target could be you,” while commending the officers and men of the various security agencies for the good work they are doing.
He lauded the legionnaires for their gallantry during their days of service, acknowledging their sacrifices which according to him, is the reason why Nigeria is still united today.
He said the event was another day of remembering those who have sacrificed and continued to sacrifice their lives to keep this country as an entity so that all of us can continue to remain safe, we will never stop to remember them.
Earlier, the State Chairman of the Nigerian Legion, Philemon Omunakwe, had appealed to President Goodluck Jonathan and Amaechi to “direct the relevant authority in charge of military pension to harmonize military pension in consideration of the huge sacrifices of these noblemen.”
AllAfrica – All the Time