- Atiku, Saraki, Fayose, Dogara rejoice over survival
- APC thankful
- Ortom grateful
The Peoples Democratic Party has expressed shock over the crash of the helicopter carrying Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, in Kabba, Kogi State, on Saturday.
In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Mr Kola Ologbondiyan, the party thanked God for the safety of Osinbajo, members of his entourage and the crew.
The party, however, called “for a thorough investigation into the traumatic incident adding that the safety of our leaders, and of course, all Nigerians, must be guaranteed, especially at this critical time.”
It also urged Nigerians irrespective of creed, ethnicity, and political affiliation, to continue to pray for God’s “continued intervention in our national life.”
But Professor Osinbajo and all members of the crew came out of the crashed chopper unhurt, after which he continued his engagement in the state.
The crash was said to have occurred when the propeller of the helicopter suddenly pulled out at the stadium.
Following the incident, goodwill messages have been pouring in from prominent Nigerians, including the leaders of the main opposition party – the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Some of those who rejoiced with the Vice President for surviving the crash are PDP presidential candidate and former vice president, Atiku Abubakar, and Senate President Bukola Saraki.
Others are Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, and former Ekiti State governor, Ayodele Fayose.
The PDP leaders took to their Twitter handles to congratulate Prof Osinbajo.
Read the tweets below:
Abubakar Bukola Saraki
✔@bukolasaraki
I join all Nigerians in thanking Almighty God for sparing the life of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, who survived a helicopter crash over Kabba, Kogi State today.
Rt Hon Yakubu Dogara✔@YakubDogara
I join His Excellency, Prof @ProfOsinbajo in thanking the Almighty God for saving him and his team from any fatality in the unfortunate incident in Kogi State. I urge relevant authorities to conduct due diligence checks on all govt owned aircraft to prevent a re-occurrence.1,1335:23 PM – Feb 2, 2019Twitter Ads info and privacy379 people are talking about this
Peter Ayodele Fayose✔@GovAyoFayose
I rejoice with VP Yemi Osinbajo and thank God for keeping him alive today. I wish him quick recovery from whatever minor injuries he could have sustained in the crash.
For me, sanctity of life goes beyond politics and I pray that God will continue to safeguard his life.3,7135:07 PM – Feb 2, 2019
On its own, the All Progressives Congress thanked the Lord for saving the lives of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and his aides in the helicopter crash.
The party in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Lanre Issa-onilu, also prayed for continuous safety of leaders and progress of the country.
The statement said, “We thank God our vice president, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo is safe and sound along with his aides following his involvement in a helicopter accident which occurred in Kabba, Kogi State while undertaking the All Progressives Congress #NextLevelEngagements ahead of the 2019Elections.
“The Party prays for continuous safety of our leaders and general progress of our great country.”
Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, on Saturday, thanked the Lord for saving Osinbajo.
He said in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Terver Akase, that he joined other Nigerians to appreciate God for sparing the life of the VP.
Governor Ortom said only God deserves praise for ensuring that the Vice President and those travelling with him came out of the aircraft unhurt.
He prayed God to continue to have mercy on Nigeria, especially as the country goes into the general election this month.
Punch/Channels TV
