President
Goodluck Jonathan, who cancelled his planned trip to Ibadan, Oyo
State, visited the scene of the explosion amidst tight security.
Jonathan was initially billed to attend the centenary birthday service of the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Odulana Odugade.
He arrived the scene at 12.20am with
the President of the Senate, David Mark, and the National Chairman of
the Peoples Democratic Party, Alhaji Adamu Mu’Azu.
Security chiefs, led by the National
Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (retd.), who arrived ahead, briefed
the President and showed him the spot, where the bomb was detonated.
While speaking with journalists, Jonathan described the attacks by the Islamic sect, Boko Haram, as temporary.
He said his administration and security agencies would continue to work hard to get over it.
The President commended security agents for what he called their prompt response to the blast.
He said, “You can see that I am here
with the Senate President and the Chairman of the PDP, ministers,
Chief of Defence Staff and service chiefs, and all other very senior
government functionaries.
“Let us collectively express our condolences to the families of those who suffered directly as a result of the incident.
“I am also commending security services
for their prompt action. Though we lost quite a number of people, we
condole with our countrymen and women. We will continue to work very
hard.
“The issue of Boko Haram is temporary.
Government is doing everything to make sure that we move our country
forward in spite of all the distractions that want to take us backward.
We promise that we will get over it.
“We also want to use this unique
opportunity to plead with the media and our great men and women, to come
up with enlightenment programme for our people.
“Those countries that face terror, they
have developed great awareness. If there are unusual movement of
vehicles and bags, they call security men and a lot of incidences are
contained.
“So, we believe that if people will
become observant and all of us become security conscious of the movement
of people, we will be able to reduce some of these incidences.
“We will do our best. The security
services will continue to work very hard, and God willing, we will get
over it. The issue of Boko Haram is temporary. Surely, we will get over
it.”
Jonathan did not entertain any question from the journalists.
He also visited the Asokoro General Hospital, where some of the survivors were being treated, on his way back from the scene.
PUNCHNG
No comments:
Post a Comment