Obasanjo appeals for restraint

President Olusegun Obasanjo has appealed to Nigerians to show greater patience and restraint in dealing with the Sharia issue, Nigerian radio reported on Tuesday. Obasanjo, who expressed great personal distress and anguish at the outbreak of violence between Muslims and Christians in Kaduna State, said the government would do whatever was necessary to restore law and order. He said the wanton destruction of lives and property in Kaduna could have been avoided if the leaders and followers of the two religious groups had listened to earlier calls for peace and mutual understanding. The House of Representatives is expected to discuss the crisis in Kaduna on Wednesday as "a matter of urgent national importance" 'The Guardian quoted Binta Kogi, a member from Kaduna South as saying.