ABUJA – Senator Iyorchia Ayu, National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has equated what is happening in the country to a war situation.
Noting that none can sleep with two eyes closed, the PDP national chairman added that the level of insecurity in the country under the watch of a retired General is threatening the unity and existence of this country.
Speaking at the weekend, Ayu said, “We are virtually in a war situation in Nigeria today. We are fighting bandits. We are fighting kidnappers, we are fighting all sorts of bandits and extremists who are killing, raping our mothers and daughters.
“We have a retired General as president and we taught these things will improve. We don’t need to talk as a political party or as an opposition, but you know exactly what is happening in our country is threatening even the very unity and existence of our country. I think you need accurate reporting of the events, which are not very glorious.”
Ayu, who was at the meeting with newsmen in company of members of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC), said he practised journalism at a younger age.
Challenging journalists not to be deterred by the risks around journalism profession, the former President of the Senate explained how the founding fathers in the profession risked their lives while fighting the military junta to ensure that democracy was returned to the country.
“What we’ve fought against all along in this country is we don’t want any institutionalised dictatorship. We want a country where people should be free to express their views, go about their business. And I believe the Nigeria media from history right from the time of independence has played a very glorious roll. They fought for independence. They sustained that fight, even during the military takeover, some have lost their lives.
“If you remember the Dele Giwas. They lost their lives to what they believed in for the love of the profession. I call on you to be courageous to follow in the footsteps of your forefathers in the profession. You will definitely make sacrifices.
“We have to educate not only Nigerians but also the international community, with your accurate reporting, of what we are trying to do as a party, because it is only an informed electorate that makes right choices.
“We believe we are here to offer Nigerians an alternative to what is going on today. But I think in the first 16 years, we were here, we did let’s say 100 or 90 percent, but we’re much more determined to do better than what we did before.”
The chairman called for more interaction with the media, saying that the party under his watch is determined to improve on the security situation in the country.
