Nigeria is to constitute a Judicial Commission of Inquiry to look into the immediate and remote causes of the recent tide of unrest that followed the April 16 presidential election in some parts of the country.

Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan disclosed this in a nationwide broadcast on Thursday morning.

He condemned the dastardly act of killing and maiming of innocent citizens and the wanton destruction.

He said perpetrators of the acts of violence would be fished out to face the full weight of the law.

"These disturbances are more than mere political protests, clearly, they aim to frustrate the remaining elections," the Nigerian leader said.

He vowed to use his position as president to defend the constitution and discharge his constitutional responsibility of protecting the lives and properties of all Nigerians wherever they choose to live.

"My fellow countrymen and women, enough is enough, democracy is about the rule of law," he added.

"It is to its credit that in recent years our judiciary has demonstrated great courage, fortitude and independence in the discharge of its duties," he said.

"As President, it is my solemn duty to defend the constitution of this country," the Nigerian leader added.

"That includes the obligation to protect the lives and properties of every Nigerian wherever they choose to live," he added.

The President said he had ordered the deployment of security personnel to troubled parts of the country and directed the reinforcement of security in all parts of the country.

According to him, the government had taken practical steps to ensure the attainment of its goal of delivering free, fair and credible elections.

The president said he had also authorized all security services to use lawful means, including justifiable force to bring an immediate end to all acts of violence.

President Jonathan appealed to all Nigerians to remain law - abiding and steadfast in prayers for peace and tranquility of the country.

He called on them to go about their businesses without fear and vote on April 26 for candidates of their choice.