…. President Orders Investigations
SAN FRANCISCO, October 03, (THEWILL) – President Goodluck Jonathan has received with great shock and sadness, news of the tragic airplane crash in Lagos, a statement by presidential spokesman Reuben Abati said on Thursday night (local time).
Of the 20 passengers including 7 crew members onboard the ill-fated plane, only 5 survivors emerged with injuries.
The chartered plane was carrying members of the Agagu family, friends, Ondo State government personnel and a casket containing the remains of Dr. Olusegun Agagu, a former governor of Ondo State who died about two weeks ago.
The Presidency statement reads: “On behalf of himself, his family and the Federal Government, President Jonathan extends condolences to all families who lost members in the plane crash, and the government and people of Ondo State who have been plunged into sorrow yet again while preparing to lay their former governor to rest.
“The President feels and shares the grief and pain of the Agagu family as they grapple with the further loss of beloved relatives and associates so soon after losing their husband, father and mentor.
“He prays that God Almighty will comfort the Agagu family, as well as their relatives and friends, and grant them the divine grace they will undoubtedly require to overcome the trauma of this most trying time.
“President Jonathan views the plane crash as most unfortunate and regrettable, given the concerted efforts of the Federal Government to enhance aviation safety in the country.
“He has therefore ordered a thorough investigation of the crash by all relevant agencies with a view to determining the cause and taking further actions, as may become necessary.
Senate President Mark Says It’s More Than A Double Tragedy
“This is more than double tragedy. It is sad. It is disheartening. This is death is too cruel,” President of the Senate, Senator David Mark said in a statement by his spokesman, Mr. Kola Ologbondiyan.
” This is one tragedy that a man is tempted to question the essence of human existence. But as ordinary mortals , we lack the locus standing to question our creator. In all circumstances, we give thanks to the Almighty. May God’s wish be done,” an obviously depressed Senate President stated.
Senator Mark said the Senate shares in this pain and indeed grieves over this unfortunate incident.
He prayed that God gives the nation especially the immediate families of the deceased the fortitude to bear this painful loss just as he prayed that the souls of the departed rest in peace.
Tambuwal Mourns Victims
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, on Thursday, said he was depressed by the death of some passengers aboard the ill-fated aircraft which crashed in Lagos.
Tambuwal, in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media, Mallam Imam Imam, described the victims’ death as “tragic and sorrowful,” saying the news of the crash left him “sad and heartbroken.”
He expressed his “sympathy to the Agagu family that needs all the support and encouragement of all Nigerians in this dark period.”
He also extended his condolence to the families of the victims as he called on “aviation authorities to carry out thorough investigation into the remote and immediate causes of the crash.”
My Thoughts Are With The Families Of The Bereaved – Atiku
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has said the news of several deaths arising from the crash of the aircraft conveying the remains of the late former governor of Ondo State, Olusegun Agagu, members of his family and some senior officials of the Ondo State government from Lagos to Akure had shocked him to the marrow.
A terse message signed by the former Vice President’s media office in Abuja Thursday, said the news of the air crash and the resultant deaths was difficult to believe, yet true.
The condolence message reads: “As we await the full details of who and what we as a country had lost, my thoughts are with the Agagu family and all the other families involved in this tragedy. I pray for strength for all those involved, and speedy recovery for survivors.”
New PDP Mourns, Shocked
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) under the leadership of Alhaji Abubakar Kawu Baraje in a statement by Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, the faction’s National Publicity Secretary, expressed shock and said it is shattered by the news of this unspeakable tragedy.
“Our hearts go out to the Agagu family, to the families of victims of the crash, as well as to the people and Government of Ondo State, and especially to President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan and, indeed, all Nigerians. We also sympathise with the management of Associated Airlines on this great tragedy.
“We urge Nigerians to remember the victims and their families in their prayers and to intensify prayers for our dear nation in these difficult times,” the statement added.
