The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Wednesday commended Acting President Yemi Osinbajo on steps he had taken to douse tension in the country over hate speeches and threats.
“Hate speeches either coming from the North, South, East or West must be avoided and be condemned by all of us”, Ahmed Makarfi, Chairman, PDP National Caretaker Committee, said in Abuja.
The former Kaduna governor, however, called on government to build on the effort by making all sections to be viable and operate an inclusive government.
Makarfi, who prayed for President Muhammadu Buhari and wished him quick recovery, called on leaders and governments at all levels to handle emerging challenges confronting the nation in best way possible.
His words: “As a country and a people, we have faced several developmental challenges; some have been resolved while many others are yearning for resolution.
“Even after such resolution as it’s typical of the evolution of human societies, we should expect to be confronted by new and emerging challenges.
“It is thus the responsibility of each generation of our leaders to grapple with and handle such emerging challenges in the best way possible. It is always a work in progress.”
On herdsmen and farmers’ clashes, he said that while both groups had constitutionally guaranteed rights to existence, government needed to come up with a lasting solution.
“We must, however, be able to differentiate between the business of peaceful cattle rearing and criminal activities and take appropriate steps to protect lives and property.
“We must also secure our borders in order to prevent the influx of foreigners who may not respect the laws of our land.
“Of concern also is the issue of cattle rustling, which is also taking an altogether unprecedented dimension.
“This unlike the pastoralists/farmers problem, is clearly an issue of criminality, which governments and security agencies need to wake up to, to reassure victims that the state is there for them also.’’
On agitations, Makarfi said while PDP had no problem with such, the promoters should respect the legitimate rights and dignity of other citizens.
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