MY DEAR BROTHERS AND SISTERS; FELLOW NIGERLITES:

With total submission to the will of Allah (SWT), the all-knowing, the Most Beneficent, the Most Benevolent and the Most Merciful, I wish to express my heartfelt condolences and sympathies to all Nigerlites on the most unfortunate incident of a bomb explosion in Suleja shortly after the PDP zonal senatorial rally on Thursday, 3rd March, 2011, which claimed the lives of six (6) innocent citizens and left many people injured. This was a very callous and barbaric act executed by cowards and desperate enemies of democracy and the nation.

2. It is indeed very sad that our State which has always been a reference point for peaceful and harmonious co-existence would be used as the theatre for the perpetration of this heinous crime against humanity by enemies of progress. It is however pertinent to note that if the ugly event was calculated to frighten us, then it has failed. If the callous event was meant to intimidate us, it has not succeeded, and if the inhuman and terrorist act was meant to discourage us, then it has only encouraged and energized us to continue with the good work we have started in the service of the people. The criminals and terrorists cannot succeed, Insha Allahu.

3. We shall join hands with all true lovers of democracy and remain resolute in resisting any form of distraction by enemies of democracy, and we will continue to do more for our people and the nation.

 

4. However, I must remind Nigerlites that while all efforts would be made to fish out and bring to book the criminals and their sponsors, Government and the security agencies will require maximum cooperation from the public to succeed in this task. I therefore call on members of the public to avail the security agencies of any useful information not only about this particular incident but also about any security threat or suspicious characters in any part of the State. Some arrests have already been made and I assure you that once investigations are completed by the security agencies, the criminals and terrorists will face the full wrath of the law.

5. May I use this opportunity to reassure Nigerlites that this security challenge will not deter our administration from serving the people of Niger State diligently, respectfully, transparently and accountably. Indeed, we shall use our experiences to serve the people better in the coming years, insha allahu. Let me also call on all of us to go about our legitimate businesses without any fear of intimidation or insecurity, as Government and the security agencies are on top of the situation. The PDP-led Government will continue to lead by good example and will not be deterred by any attempt to blackmail Government under any guise.

6. Government is already taking full responsibility for the medical bills of the victims and working out compensation for the families of the deceased victims of the blast. Meanwhile, all the student victims will be awarded automatic scholarship up to the University level.

7. Once more, I extend my heartfelt condolences and sympathies to the families of the victims of this cruel and barbaric act. May Allah (SWT) grant the departed souls eternal rest and comfort the families of other victims, amen.

8. Thank you and May Allah continue to bless Niger State, amen.