The presidency says killings are
not peculiar to the administration of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Femi Adesina, presidential
spokesman, said this in reaction to the seven days of mourning declared by the
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over the recent mass killing in Plateau state.
In a statement released on
Thursday, Adesina described the PDP’s declaration as “irresponsible politics”.
He said killings have been
recorded in the country since the administration of the opposition party.
Adesina said President Muhammadu
Buhari “is working towards enduring solutions; and should be given the
opportunity to do so”.
The statement read: “The sad and
unfortunate killings in Plateau State over the weekend have been turned to
opportunity to once again play irresponsible politics, particularly by the
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which says it is declaring seven days of
mourning.
“The intendment of this statement
is to show that wanton killings had been with us for awhile; this government is
working towards enduring solutions; and should be given the opportunity to do
so.
“Even a single soul is precious,
and no man should take a life, which he cannot create. But when tragic
situations as had happened in Plateau State occur, such should never be used to
play crude politics.
“Those who are wont to do so
should have change of hearts, or lose their very humanity.
“These are dolorous times that
call for deep introspection on how cheap human lives have become, and the
proffering of actionable ideas on how to get out of the bind. But the PDP would
rather dance on the graves of the dead, playing cheap, infantile politics.
“The comatose and prostrate party
is declaring seven days of mourning, during which flags in its offices would be
flown at half mast nationwide.
“But unknown to the party, those
flags had been forcefully lowered since its 2015 loss at the polls, and may
remain so for a long time to come, because Nigerians are politically
discerning, and cannot be hoodwinked by cheap antics.”
He further accused the PDP of
taking advantage of the killings to score cheap political goals.
Adesina listed series of attacks
which took place during the reign of the PDP, noting that the party did not
declare a national mourning at the time.
He said: “A quick checklist of
some savage and brutal killings in Nigeria during PDP rule, between 1999 and
2015, for which no national mourning was declared: November 20, 1999. Odi, in
Bayelsa State, was invaded on orders of a PDP President. About 2,500 people
killed. No national mourning.
“Between February and May, 2000,
about 5,000 people were killed during riots over Sharia law in different parts
of the North. No national mourning. In 2001, hundreds of people, including the
old, infirm, women and children were killed in Zaki Biam. No crocodile tears.
“Between September 7-12, 2001,
Jos, Plateau State, erupted in internecine killings. Between 500 and 1,000
people were killed. Flags were not flown at half mast.
“In February 2004, at least 975
people were killed in Yelwa-Shendam, Plateau State. No mourning by the then
ruling PDP. Between November 28 and 29, 2008, Jos was in flames again, with 381
deaths. No mourning.
“In 2010, 992 people killed in
Jos. Mum was the word. In 2014 alone, according to Global Terrorism Index, at
least 1,229 people were killed in the Middle Belt. No mourning.
“Boko Haram killings in PDP years
were over 10,000. PDP flags were still fluttering proudly in the sky.”
what about the promises you make during your campaigned that within three month BOKO HARAM will crushed out of Nigeria,
ReplyDeletePDP are shameless party
ReplyDeleteMr Adesina, with all your rubbish utterances i hope you sleep well at night, you talked about your daughter no believing what is written about you, I pray that you will continue making excuses for Buhari when the same fate befalls your wife and children. God is watching all of una
ReplyDelete