This week continues the series on insecurity in Nigeria
May I remind you that I took and subscribed to the oath of office during which I pledged that to the best of my ability I would preserve, protect and defend the Constitution. In view of this, any effort to steer the path of constitutionality is not to my mind beyond the bounds of my responsibility. I sincerely hope that I have erased any shred of doubt in your mind about my genuine desire to bring about peace and harmony in our country as being the only motive behind this all-important meeting with you and all other political party leaders who, along with the chief executives of the twenty governments in the federation, share the same aspiration to evolve truly democratic government in Nigeria. It remains for me to say that I very much look forward to meeting you on Tuesday morning for frank and cordial discussions which will demonstrate to your conviction my genuine intention in the matter. Be reassured that I do not seek to serve the personal interest of any particular person or community lesser than Nigeria.
Once more, I like to wish you a happy and prosperous New Year.” On January 8, the five political parties in the country met. The President informed the meeting that he had received reports from various parts of the country about political or politically motivated acts of victimization and injustice suffered by members of opposing parties in all the states. The meeting reviewed the report exhaustively and came to the conclusion that there was no real cause for anxiety about the security of the country. It agreed that reports of this nature should be made available from time to time to the party leaders and the governors by the President.
