BY HENRY UMORU

ABUJA- HEAD, Observer team for the 2011 general elections in Delta State, Dr. Emmanuel Opia, yesterday called for lasting peace in the state, just as he said the call for mass action against the elected government negated what democracy stood for.

Addressing newsmen in Abuja yesterday, Opia, who is the Chief Executive Officer, African Peace Initiative, noted that the people of Delta State could not allow themselves to be dragged into conflict now, no matter the disguise, adding that those aggrieved, rather than go into the streets, should approach the tribunal for legal redress. 

According to him, “asking people to embark on mass action or issuing statements of threat to withdraw legitimacy to new or  re-elected government grossly negate what democracy itself stands for.  As freedom of speech is enshrined in Nigeria’s constitution, issuing statements that can elicit or spark off negative reactions of people should be discouraged.

“Delta State is our home; we have nowhere else to run to. We cannot allow ourselves to be dragged into conflict now no matter the disguise whatsoever.

“Any person or persons aggrieved about this election should seek legal redress through election tribunal, as Nigeria’s judiciary has largely demonstrated its capacity for independence and incorruptibility in such matters.

“Riots, mass actions or call for war or inciting people to take unlawful actions should be strongly condemned as this will only lead to wanton destruction of lives and properties at colossal loss to the state.”