NOA calls for peace, tolerance

The National Orientation Agency (NOA) on Friday appealed for peace, love and tolerance among Nigerians.

The Director-General of NOA, Dr Garba Abari, who made the appeal in a statement following reports of unrest in parts of the country, said there was the need for citizens to be calm and exercise restraint.

Abari cautioned the youths not to allow themselves to be used as “canon fodders to light the fire of unrest”.

He said that the youth should ensure that no one took advantage of their youthful energies to cause trouble.

Abari also called on traditional and religious leaders to rise up to the occasion by using their positions to preach love, peace and tolerance.

He urged parents, especially mothers to control their children and keep them away from mischief makers,

The agency also appealed to social media users to scrutinize all messages on the current situation in the country to ensure that hate speeches and fake news were not given credence.

“The media, both traditional and social are hereby called upon to exercise the sacred duty of promoting only that which unites us as a country.

“It is at moments like this that the patriotic energy of the media is tested as one of the institutions for nation building,’’ he said.

Abari also reminded the political leaders of their responsibility of ensuring the security of lives and property in their areas of authority.