ost-election crisis: Enough is enough, Jonathan warns – Jonathan
• Sets up judicial commission of inquiry
From JULIANA TAIWO, Abuja
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Jonathan
Photo: Sun News Publishing
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President Goodluck Jonathan has read the riot act to perpetrators of the post-presidential election violence in some states of the north warning that they will all be made to face the full weight to the law.

According to him, enough is enough.
Jonathan who described the crisis as shocking said as the President, he has the solemn duty to defend the constitution of this country.
“That includes the obligation to protect the lives and properties of every Nigerian wherever they choose to lives,” he said.

President Jonathan, who disclosed that he has ordered the deployment of security personnel to troubled parts as well as the reinforcement of security in all parts of the country vowed to “defend the right of all citizens to freely express their democratic choice anywhere in this country; to enjoy every freedom and opportunity that this country can offer without let or hindrance.

“I assure all Nigerians that I will do so with all powers at my disposal as President, Commander-in-Chief.
“I have ordered the deployment of security personnel to troubled parts of the country. I have also directed the reinforcement of security in all parts of the country.” He said in view of the condemnable attacks on the Youth Corps members, he has directed all governors to take personal responsibility for their security and safety in the states where they serve.

“I have directed that the perpetrators of these dastardly acts of violence and all those who seek to continue to breach the peace and stability of this nation must be fished out and made to face the full weight of the law.
“In this regard, a Judicial Commission of Inquiry will be constituted to look into the immediate and remote causes of this recent tide of unrest.” He urged all Nigerians to remain law abiding even as he appealed to parents to take full charge of their wards.

“We must not allow anybody to use innocent youth as cannon fodder for the ambitions of a few. Let us preserve the sanctity of the lives and future of all of our children”, he said. Jonathan emphasized that these disturbances were more than mere political protests. “Clearly, they aim to frustrate the remaining elections. This is not acceptable.”
He on behalf of all Nigerians, expressed his heart-felt condolences to the victims of the violence.

“I lament the loss of lives, destruction of means of livelihood, the burning of homes and places of worship
“I appeal to all members of the political class, leaders of thought and traditional rulers to continue to put our national interest first at this critical time. “Particularly, I call on our religious leaders not to use the sacredness of our places of worship to promote messages that could lead to hate, disharmony and disaffection. Rather, we must all at this time join hands and support INEC in ensuring a successful conclusion of the commendable work which they started.”

While appealing communities around the country to show restraint in the face of provocation,the bpresident-elect urged all Nigerians to remain steadfast in prayers for peace and tranquility in the country. He assured all that calm was being restored in troubled parts of the country and restated that the elections scheduled for next Tuesday would go on as planned.

“All Nigerians should therefore go about their businesses without fear and exercise their franchise on April 26th to vote for candidates of their choice in the next round of elections. “To those who persist in sowing the seeds of discord, I say –You may hurt and bring grief to some innocent families momentarily, but you will never succeed in stopping our transformational journey: a journey that will lead this country, by the grace of God, to emerge stronger, more prosperous and more united.

He called on to join hand together to build a nation in which we all live in peace; “where the bonds of our common aspirations and goals will spur and re-energize our resolve towards greatness. A nation where our children from North and South, East and West will grow with hope and live together as brothers, sisters and friends. Let us always remember that we are all part of a shared destiny.”