TheCable

Mike Omeri, the director-general of the National Orientation Agency and coordinator of the national information centre, has advised Asari Dokubo, Edwin Clark, Rotimi Amaechi, Tanko Yakassai and other influential Nigerians to refrain from making unguarded statements that will heat up the already-charged-political-atmosphere.

All three have been in the spotlight recently for their comments on national issues, particularly Amaechi, whose comments on soldiers sentenced to death for mutiny and the federal government’s handling of the insurgency in the north-east have been hard-hitting.

Speaking at a media briefing in Abuja on Thursday, Omeri urged politicians and citizens who make provocative statements to understand that there would be no Nigeria if their flurry of inflammable statements set the country ablaze.

“The likes of Asari, Clark, Amaechi, Yakassai are advised that they need a country and they have to be patriotic about it,” he said.

“Government has noted the spate of unguarded statements being made by influential Nigerians, including politicians and religious leaders, on the state of the nation and wishes these privileged Nigerians apply wisdom and courage to speak the truth in order to reduce perceived tension and generate goodwill and hope among Nigeria.

“We believe that the unity of purpose so far exhibited by Nigerians in the fight against insurgency must be sustained by all irrespective of political persuasions, religious beliefs and ideological positions.”

On the situation in Baga, Borno state, he stated that the military was working hard to completely reclaim the town from Boko Haram.

“The centre wishes to inform Nigerians that the situation in Baga has improved since the last attack on the town,” he said.

“Security forces are working hard to ensure the full liberation of the strategic town and other places close to it.”

He added that full details of the military operations would not be discussed until an appropriate time.

Omeri also called on political leaders to emulate friendly countries who have thrown their weight behind the country in the fight against insurgency.

“The path of patriotism and honour is not to wait until we get into government before we can contribute to save the precious lives of our citizens,” he said.