Blame govt for attack on Kano emir, say NLC, Buhari

Government yesterday got the knocks over Saturday’s gun attack on Emir of Kano Alhaji Ado Bayero.
But President Goodluck Jonathan vowed to apprehend perpetrators.
The octogenarian monarch escaped the attack but his driver, three bodyguards and a local government chairman were killed. His car was riddled with bullets.
The emir and two of his two sons, who were among the injured in the attack travelled to Britain for medical attention on Sunday.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) said the attack showed that government has been unable to address the nation’s security challenge in spite of all assurances.
Former Head of State and National Leader of the Congress for Progressive (CPC), Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, expressed disappointment over attack on the emir which he described as intolerable. He said government should be blamed.
A statement in Abuja by the National Publicity Secretary of the CPC Mr. Rotimi Fashakin, said: “Gen. Muhammadu Buhari is horrified by the armed attack on the convoy of the Emir of Kano, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Ado Bayero and has expressed sympathy on the loss of lives therein.
“The portent of this latest security challenge is: the Nigerian state is not just under an ominous cloud of insecurity but all the citizens are also victims.
“This is indeed one attack too many! Let it be stated that insecurity of lives and property in any clime is a measure of its level of development. This aptly explains why the Constitution in section 14, places security and welfare of the people on the government.
“As Citizens, we look forward to the time that this cloud of insecurity shall be lifted and all Nigerians (of whatever religious persuasion and ethnic extraction) shall be free to pursue happiness and living anywhere under the nation-space in tranquil setting.”
The NLC said the attack exposed “the lie in the claim by the Federal Government that its security agencies have been able to curtail the activities of violent extremists.”
Acting General Secretary Comrade Chris Uyot, NLC said the attack has once again questioned the efficacy of security in the country and brings to the fore the urgent need for the reorganisation of Nigeria’s internal security system, to curb growing violent militant activities.
The Congress said Kano, being a major industrial city in the northern part of the country is very strategic to the Nigerian economy and polity, and should therefore not be allowed to be held hostage by violent groups.
It added: “While condemning these incessant attacks, we reiterate our commitment to dialogue, national peace and unity, and call on those responsible for these spate of violence and spectre of fear to reflect on the monumental and devastating damages their attacks have inflicted on the economy, and ultimately the negative impact on our collective future.” said NLC.
The Presidency yesterday vowed not to succumb to the threat of terrorism.
It assured Nigerians that security agencies would ensure that the perpetrators of last Saturday attack on the Emir are identified and brought to book.
A statement by Presidential spokesman Reuben Abati reads: “Once again, terrorism reared its ugly head when gunmen attacked the revered Emir of Kano Alhaji Ado Bayero on Saturday 19 January 2013. The unfortunate incident which led to the regrettable death of three persons including three of his security guards and his driver underscores the continuing need for collective vigilance to defeat the scourge of terrorism which has crept into our environment.
“While we condemn this in the strongest possible terms, this once again underlines the senselessness of terrorism in all its ramifications.
“While we reiterate our determination to address all genuine grievances in the national polity, we want to emphasize that the Federal Government of Nigeria will not succumb to the threat of terrorism and utter disregard for human lives by purveyors of violence.
“President Jonathan commiserates with the families of those who lost their lives in the incident, and assures Nigerians that the security agencies will do everything possible to ensure that the perpetrators of this heinous act are identified, and brought to justice according to the laws of the land.