By Ben Agande

ABUJA – Minister of Information, Mr. Labaran Maku, yesterday, said what was needed from politicians and political leaders, especially, at the time of severe security challenges in the country, are words that can engender peace and unity in the country and not violence.

He said: “We all know the consequences of violence in politics. We all know the consequences of lives lost in pursuit of ambitions and the nation is going through a period that is critical. It is important that all of us, who are critical stakeholders in the Nigerian project, should weigh whatever we say such that it would aid national unity, national development and will aid peace, particularly in Northern Nigeria.

“All Nigerians have a duty to ensure greater peace, greater civility in our polity because civility is important. The difference between democracy and other forms of government is that democracy is civil.”

While condemning the call in some circles for a resort to self-help through violence, Maku said “democracy talks about the rule of law. It does not talk about violence. In no major nations of the world will politicians or parties urge people to go and fight in polling stations or defend their votes or threaten violence because democracy is civility.”

While citing the case of some states in the north where violence has had a debilitating effect, Maku said: “We are seeing the consequences of lack of peace in our community. At this time it is not about the Federal Government. It is the responsibilities of all Nigerians, particularly those that God has elevated to positions of responsibility in the polity.

“We should do everything to ensure peace. Everything that emanates from us should reflect the presence of God; should reflect the presence of good attributes that children can copy.”