BY DANIEL IDONOR

ABUJA—VICE President Namadi Sambo yesterday extends his heartfelt condolence to the families of those who lost their lives in the aftermath of the election violence that engulfed parts of the North.

The Vice President laments the loss of lives and property and urge on all Nigerians to eschew violence and embrace peaceful and harmonious co-existence.

“The excellent democratic process that has been put in place has produced electoral outcomes that have gained both local and international acclaim.

“This national effort must be sustained and should not be allowed to be derailed by unpatriotic elements seeking to cause disaffection and disharmony amongst our citizens”, he said.

In a statement, by Alhaji Sani Umar, Special Assistance to the Vice President on Media and Publicity, Sambo stated that “power resides with the people and they have expressed it decisively and clearly by electing the candidates of their choice.  We must respect the wishes of the electorate for democracy to  thrive”.

According to him, “the mayhem unleashed on innocent citizens in some parts of the country was regrettable and deserve condemnation by all well meaning Nigerians”.

He vowed that “government will leave no stone unturned to bring to justice all perpetrators of these dastardly acts.  We are confident that the Judicial Commission of Inquiry that will be constituted will live up to expectations of Nigerians”.

The Vice President, whose family resident was burnt down by the miscreants, therefore called on “all Nigerians to give peace a chance and support the effort of government in this direction and to continue to live in peace and harmony.”