Attack on Jonathan: Lawan, Okowa call for probe

2014 National Conference

Attack on Jonathan: Lawan, Okowa call for probe

Goodluck Jonathan

The President of the Senate, Sen. Ahmad Lawan,  and the Governor of Delta State, Ifeanyi Okowa have described the attack  on the country home of Nigeria’s former President, Dr Goodluck Jonathan, as despicable and unwarranted.

They both called for investigation of the act in which a soldier lost his life.

Lawan, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Ola Awoniyi, on Tuesday  in Abuja, described the attack on Jonathan’s home in Otuoke, Bayelsa, in the early hours of Tuesday,  as the height of barbarism and criminality.

The Senate president said the act was in defiance to logic, adding:  “it should be condemned without reservation by all right-thinking Nigerians.”

Lawan called on the security agencies to ensure proper investigation into the matter so that the perpetrators would be brought to book.

He commended the promptness and bravery of the security personnel on duty which foiled the intention of the attackers and commiserate with the family of the soldier who lost his life in the attack.

Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Olisa Ifeajika, said the incident was disturbing and unwarranted.

Okowa noted that it was more condemnable because the former president was a peace loving man who always preached peaceful political engagements.

He stated that Jonathan had been a great patriot and a promoter of peaceful politics and did not deserve to be attacked in his home town or anywhere else.

“I join men of goodwill in condemning the attack on former President Goodluck Jonathan, who has been a great patriot and exemplary leader.

“It is pathetic and shameful that unknown gunmen can attack a leader who had on several occasions said his ‘ambition was not worth the blood of any Nigerian’.

“On behalf of the government and people of Delta, I condemn the attack on our dear former president.

“I also commiserate with him on the unfortunate demise of a gallant soldier yin the attack.

“I call on the police and other security agencies to fish out those behind the attack and bring them to justice.

“I also urge the Federal Government to beef up security around the former Nigerian leader,” Okowa  said.