Violence is a threat to democracy, says Atiku

Describing ethno-religious violcence as a threat to democracy, Atiku Abubakar, the former vice president, has said that as long as previous killings and assassinations remain unresolved, the perpetrators of these wicked acts will be emboldened to unleash more mayhem on innocent people.

Mr. Abubakar, however, called on Nigerians to shun violence in any form as a means of redressing perceived grievances.

Reacting to the current spate of violence, political assassinations, and ethnic/religious conflicts in some parts of the country, the former vice president in a press statement issued by his media office, said that the entire country should know that "no nation can achieve development and stability under the atmosphere of intolerance and frequent resort to violence to settle scores."

According to him, Nigerians should avoid tendencies that could undermine the foundation of the country's hard won unity, adding that no sensible person should take stability for granted. "Economic development, political stability, and social order cannot be achieved when violence becomes an easy tool for resolving misunderstandings.

"I have said it before and I need to say it again that since, as human beings, we are incapable of creating life, nobody under any circumstance should take human life," Mr. Abubakar said