Former Nigerian President condemns the recent bombing in the country
By Shout-Africa Correspondent Chinyere Ogbonna – Eminent Nigerians and the international community have been reacting to yesterdays bombing of the United Nations Building in Nigeria’s capital, Abuja
Former Nigeria’s President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo
One of them, former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo amid high emotions in a telephone interview from Sierra Leone condemned the attack describing it as unfair and condemnable.
He lamented that it was not in the best interest of Nigeria.
The former president enjoined the international community to in this crucial time “stand solidly with us in ensuring that that the perpetrators are fished out and brought to book so that this type of senseless attack is not repeated”
The former president said it is unfair to do that at a place where we have both our people and foreigners working for the peace and unity of the world. “I do not want to know where it is coming from or those it meant to target, it is not in the best interest of those who did it or Nigeria as a country”
Chief Obasanjo noted that by this development, “the country called Nigeria at this time must unite and stand together to condemn this senseless attack (long pause). We cannot just take it. We have to reject it in its entirety for whatever reason or purpose.”
On a message for those who have lost their lives, Obasanjo said that his condolence of sympathy “goes to the families of those who lost their lives and for those who are wounded. It is saddening to hear this again. It is saddening, and we must condemn it in all ramifications” he added.
In another development, The Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC, has joined in condemning the bombing of the UN House in Abuja.
In a statement in Abuja, The NLC describes it as an act of terrorism against humanity.
The statement says the incident is a wakeup call to government to tackle the numerous security challenges confronting the nation.
The NLC condoled with the families of those who lost their lives in the attack.
Also reacting to the explosion, a former Ambassador to the Federal republic of Germany, Professor Akinjide Osuntokun described the attack as a cowardly act of violence.
In his remarks, a Senior Research Fellow at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, Lagos Dr. Charles Dokubo said an attack on the UN office in Abuja, where civilians worked, could not be justified.
Contributing, a security expert, Mr. Wilson Esangbedo said security operatives needed to be more proactive in checking attacks of this magnitude.
He noted that swift response of security operatives would go a long way in reassuring the international community and tourists of their safety in Nigeria.
In a related development, The United States President, Mr. Barrack Obama has also condemned yesterday’s attack on UN building In Abuja.
President Obama who offered America’s condolences to the victims and their families described the incident as horrific.
He said the U.S strongly supports the selfless work of the United Nations and the lasting bond with the people of Nigeria, adding that the bond will emerge stronger in the wake of this present challenge.
Meanwhile, no fewer than eighteen people have been confirmed dead following the attack.
