Former President Goodluck Jonathan has advised President Muhammadu Buhari to look to his predecessors for help with the crisis in the Southeast.
He advised the president to call a meeting of the council of state – an advisory body comprising former presidents, serving governors, the Chief Justice of Nigeria – to help discuss the ongoing agitation and “offer wise counsel”.
Taking to his Facebook page, Jonathan also condemned the violent conduct and bandying of hateful words that is permeating the polity.
He said, “The reports I have received about recent developments in the country lead me to appeal to all men of good will to use whatever influence they have to push for peaceful coexistence and restraint on all sides.
“Perhaps it is time for the Council of State to intervene and offer its wise counsel. Irrespective of whatever provocation, Nigerians must never turn on each other.
“Even in the face of difficult circumstances, we must have faith that God in His infinite wisdom will guide us to finding a way out that is fair and just to all concerned.
“Inasmuch as there may be the need to enforce order, there is a greater need to reinforce our humanity and treat Nigerian citizens humanely whether they are from the North or South.
“Nothing justifies the desecration and destruction of religious places of worship or a police station. But even more so, nothing justifies the endangering of human life. Let us exchange ideas instead of exchanging insults and threats.”
