PDP Suspends Campaigns, Party Activities Over Ondo Air Crash
The Imo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has suspended campaigns and all party activities for three days in honour of soldiers and crew members killed in the recent military aircraft crash in Ondo State.
Politics Nigeria reports that the party announced the suspension in a statement issued on Wednesday by its State Publicity Secretary, Lancelot Obiaku.
It described the crash as a tragic loss to the nation.
According to the PDP, the decision was taken “as a mark of respect for the victims of the recent tragic crash involving a military aircraft in Ondo State,” which claimed the lives of soldiers and crew members who were on duty.
The party directed its organs, including Ward, Local Government Area (LGA) and Senatorial District chapters, as well as its candidates, to immediately suspend all political activities during the mourning period.
It said the suspension was also intended to demonstrate solidarity with the families of the deceased, who it described as grieving and traumatised by the tragedy.
“The party, as a result, directs its organs, Ward, LGA and Senatorial District chapters, as well as its candidates, to suspend, with immediate effect, all political activities in solidarity with the grieving and traumatised families of the fallen heroes,” the statement said.
Festus Keyamo, the minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, said preliminary information indicated that 25 passengers and seven crew members were aboard the aircraft.
Reacting to the deaths, the Imo PDP said it “mourns this huge and painful loss” and extended its condolences to the families, friends, colleagues and loved ones of the deceased officers and crew members. The party also expressed sympathy with the Nigerian Army and the entire Armed Forces of Nigeria over the incident.
“The loss of these brave men and women, who devoted their lives to the service and protection of the nation, is deeply painful,” the party stated.
It added that the sacrifice of the deceased “will not be forgotten,” describing their service as evidence of their “courage, patriotism and commitment” to Nigeria.
The party urged the bereaved families and others affected by the crash to take solace in God, praying that they would receive the strength and comfort needed to cope with the loss.
It also touched on the recent abduction of 20 National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members in Imo State.
The Imo PDP commended President Bola Tinubu and security agencies for their efforts which led to the safe release of the abducted corps members. The party said it was relieved that the corps members, who were travelling to serve the country, would be able to reunite with their families.
“Knowing that these corps members who were on their way to serve their fatherland are now free and will reunite with their families and society gives us huge relief,” the statement said.
The PDP also praised the security forces for what it described as their bravery and commitment to protecting the lives and property of Nigerians.
