Mark Lambasts Elders Over Politicization Of Bomb Blasts

Source: EMMA UCHE - thewillnigeria.com
PHOTO: SENATE PRESIDENT DAVID MARK.
PHOTO: SENATE PRESIDENT DAVID MARK.


ABUJA, Oct 06, (THEWILL) - A visibly angry Senate President, David Mark today lambasted some political elders for politicizing the Independence Day double bomb blasts in Abuja.


Senator Mark spoke while ruling on the motion where Senators freely expressed their views over bombings that nearly marred the 50th anniversary of Nigeria’s independence. The motion was sponsored by Senator Anthony Manzo (PDP, Taraba).

The Senate President condemned those who have politicized the bombings, and described their actions as ‘unwarranted and unbefitting of their status of elder statesmen.’


Some northern politicians under the aegis of the Northern Political leaders Forum (NPLF) made up of Adamu Ciroma, Iyorchia Ayu, Madakin Fika and a host of others have come down hard on President Goodluck Jonathan following the blasts, accusing the president of using investigations into the blast to witch hunt political opponents and demanding that he resigns from office within 7 days.


Also, four presidential aspirants from the north namely; Atiku Abubakar, Aliyu Mohammed Gusau; Ibrahim Babangida and Bukola Saraki jointly issued a statement on Tuesday criticizing the president for the statements he made concerning the blasts.


According to the Senate President, it is unfortunate that instead of concentrating their energies on addressing the real issues thrown up by the bombing incident, senior citizens of the country are politicizing the incident for selfish interests.


"I was a bit worried that this motion could degenerate, especially against the backdrop of the way some elder statesmen are politicizing the incident. It’s unfortunate that highly respected elder statesmen could politicize this matter for their selfish interest, not minding that the security and unity of the country is threatened.


"This is not the time for us to go on a sentiment ride, all the perpetrators, including the security officials, who shrieked their responsibility must be adequately punished. I identify with those who urged that perpetrators and anybody connected with it must be adequately punished," Senator Mark added.


He advised Nigerians to borrow a leaf from Americans during the September 11 terrorist attack on the World Trade Centre, by coming together to promote Nigeria’s unity and oneness.


Mark commended Senators for debating the bombing incident maturely as statesmen and not along parochial lines, disclosing that the Senate would fast track the passage of the anti-terrorism bill.


The resolution condemned terrorism in its entirety while it commiserated with the President, Nigerians, families of the injured and those who lost their loved ones in the attack.


The senators also directed the relevant committees to look into the details of the matter and report back to the Senate within two weeks.


The high point was the appeal to the federal government to fish out the perpetrators of the crime and those connected to it and ensure that they face the full weight of the law.