Atiku Abubakar condemns killings in Rivers, Kaduna, Benue; Hails late Lawal Kaita as a fearless democrat

By Emmanuel Oloniruha
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar on Wednesday condemned recent killings in Rivers, Kaduna, Benue and other parts of the country, including the Wednesday early morning suicide bomb attack at Gamboru Mosque in Borno.
The ex-vice president’s stance is contained in a statement by his Media Office in Abuja.
The office stated that Abubakar described the killings as “ungodly”, adding that “the senseless killings and reprisal blood-letting are unacceptable.”
He also described such killings as throwback to the stone age, and a hindrance to the promotion of peace and unity in the country.
Abubakar stressed that the diversity of Nigeria remained one of its strongest points.
He advised leaders at all levels to “promote the things that unite Nigerians rather than those that create divisions.
“That the Almighty in His Wisdom made us a nation of different tongues and tribes; made us Africa’s most populous nation with more than 300 tribes is no accident.
“If well harnessed, our diversity should be our biggest strength.
“There cannot be development when innocent lives are being lost in a seeming endless cycle of attacks and reprisals.
“While we should hold every life as precious, it is more painful that the victims of these attacks are women and youths – the demography that we depend upon to drive development.”
The former vice president urged Nigerians to use the opportunity of the New Year to reflect on the needless killings and to live in peace and harmony.
He prayed that God would comfort the bereaved families.
Meanwhile, the former Vice President, in a condolence message, has described late former Governor of old Kaduna State, Alhaji Lawal Kaita as a fearless democrat whose immense contributions to Nigeria’s democratic struggles would be “etched in brass”.
Abubakar in the message issued on Wednesday in Abuja, described Kaita as a man of remarkable virtues who inspired whoever interacted with him.
Kaita died on Tuesday at the age of 85.
Abubakar explained that late Kaita was never afraid to speak his mind in pursuit of his principles, including his insistence that political parties must respect internal democracy in order to be credible.
Abubakar noted that the late Kaita, who was his political associate, had left an unblemished public service record as politicians of his generation were motivated by the passion for service.
He recalled that his close association with Kaita was a beneficial experience because he was a man of vast knowledge of politics and its intricacies.
While extending his condolences to the government, family and the people of Katsina and Kaduna States, Abubakar prayed to God to grant the deceased eternal rest in paradise.