President Buhari appeals to top Nigerians to use their influence wisely

The President of Nigeria, Mohammadu Buhari has appealed to top citizens, who have national influence, to use their influence wisely and not to keep engaging in public declarations that are likely to inflame emotional passions and trouble National Security.

According to a statement by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Public Relations, Garba Shehu, the Presidency is upset that criminal parties will feel justified in defying legal governing and democratic institutions, and authority of legitimately elected democratic government if unrestricted declarations are made.

He also said in the statement that, silence can be respected, but sometimes it can be misinterpreted and over used . It is surprising to hear the recent comments by a prominent citizen calling for all Nigerians to use arms to defend themselves.

The Presidency commends the Nigerian military’s efforts to maintain peace and stability, despite being pulled in various directions by elements determined to cause unstable condition to the country and government for their personal reasons. What country would survive if its citizens rise against the country’s organized, trained and equipped military?

He urged former leaders to take advantage of the various place where people with a national security history can give advice to the government without falling back to the development of emotional view.