President Goodluck Jonathan has condemned the continued attempt by some individuals and groups to place responsibility of the unpleasant developments in Rivers State on him.
Jonathan’s position was contained in a statement issued by Dr. Reuben Abati, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, in Beijing, China on Thursday.
The statement was made available to State House Correspondents in Abuja.
According to the statement, there was no basis for suggestions that some of the politicians involved in the dispute are acting at the behest of the President.
Abati said in the statement: “President Jonathan certainly did not instigate the crisis in the Rivers State House of Assembly.
“As president of the nation, he will never support any actions that negate his avowed commitment to the rule of law.
“The president will also never violate his oath of office to always defend the Nigerian Constitution.”
The statement called on all those involved in regrettable acts of political violence to show greater respect for the constitution and the rule of law.
The statement said: “President Jonathan urges members of the Rivers State House of Assembly and all other political gladiators in the state to put the interests of the state and the nation above their personal egos and ambitions.
“The president calls on all those who were remotely or directly involved in heightening political tension in the state to put an immediate end to their actions which are capable of plunging Rivers into public disorder.
“President Jonathan said they should strive to settle their political differences without further recourse to barbaric acts of violence.”
It stated that the President expected all members of the Peoples Democratic Party in Rivers State, irrespective of their current affiliations or loyalties, to comport themselves with greater restraint.
He said the President assured Nigerians that government would intensify efforts to resolve existing differences and restore internal harmony to the state branch of the party.
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