Former Governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, has described the Jos shootings that claimed the life of Senator Gyang Dantong and Hon Gyang Fulani of the Plateau State House of Assembly as a tragedy and challenge to Nigeria.
Tinubu, in a statement, said that “What happened this weekend in Riyom local government area in Plateau State was an affront to God and humanity.
“This was more than a crime. It was an exhibition of deadly hatred that seeks to establish a home in our beloved nation”.
Asiwaju added that “such violence has no place among us. There is no reason imaginable that can legitimise the killing and destruction. To kill innocent people is always indefensible. To kill those who were merely seeking to bury their loved ones is the handiwork of wickedness. It is a lowly abomination.
“The perpetrators struck in wanton lethality in apparent hope that their deeds will spark a cycle of violence and retribution setting the nation against itself, as such. They seek to turn Nigeria into a factory of lawlessness.”
Describing their plan as inhuman, their actions vile , he said that the objective they set out for would? never succeed and stressed that they might have wounded Nigeria, Yet, after all the sacrifices and hardship the country has experienced, this nation would never succumb to evil designs.
Tinubu stressed that, “There are no differences that anyone can have with government that justify this unpardonable act. This was more than senseless revenge against government; it was an attack against the people of Nigeria and our way of life.
“The unfolding tragedy and the inability of the current government to bring the situation under control confirm our fears: that Nigeria is on a free fall under an incompetent leadership.”
Asiwaju continued, “This massacre has cut into the heart of the nation. These evildoers apparently seek to make Nigeria a failed state. Those of us who love this nation and its people will not allow this to happen. Despite this violence, we will not let fear rule us but we must awaken our moral strength so that we can repel this assault against our human decency. We must not cower but must summon courage at this moment.
“Moral conscience eventually triumphs over murderous crime. All of us who cherish freedom and dignity and who love this nation must not allow the evil actors to divide and separate us along ethnic, religious or regional lines. We must stand firmly beside each other as Nigerians.
“Despite this tragedy, we must hold to each other and strengthen the bonds that unite us. Only in this way, do we honor the lives we have lost, do we foil the dark plans of those who hate justice and democracy, and do we turn Nigeria into the nation of our dreams. Our brotherly charity and sympathy must be extended to those who lost family members, loved ones and friends. To those who did this terrible act we extend nothing but a firm declaration that Nigeria will never be brought down by their misdeeds”.
?