The Federal Government yesterday urged for understanding by foreign governments in their reading and assessment of issues around the removal of petroleum subsidy, as well as the fallout of the nationwide protests that trailed the policy.
Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Professor Viola Onwuliri, at a meeting with the diplomatic corps in Abuja, urged objective reporting of the face-off between organized labour, civil society and government over the removal of oil subsidy.
The minister insisted that government has a responsibility to protect lives and properties, saying, “However, they (the police and other security personnel) cannot fail to be decisive in the defense of lives and properties of innocent citizens in cases of unwarranted violence.
“I will continue to urge you, as I had done before, to let the cordial relations between our countries be uppermost in your minds and to be objective in your assessment and reportage of events that are happening now. I would also urge the media, both foreign and
local, to observe restraint in their coverage of events in the country in the interest of peace and our unity”.
Onwuliri added: “Government values your contributions and support towards resolving the issues that confront us today. I would like to assure you that we are determined to build a strong, virile, progressive, dynamic and united Nigeria that will continue to be peaceful and peace loving.
She assured that government is tackling security concerns caused by Boko Haram.
“The terror menace will be defeated and erased from our midst. All these measures might not translate to success overnight but slowly and surely the battle against terrorism will be won and the peace and security of all Nigerians, no matter where they choose to live will be assured”, the minister assured.
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