Attack On Jonathan’s Convoy Crude, Unfortunate –TUC • Condemns Asari’s Inflammatory Comments

Bobboi Bala Kaigama-TUCThe Trade Union Congress has condemned Tuesday’s attack on President Goodluck Jonathan and his delegation by hoodlums in Katsina, describing the act as irresponsible, crude and unfortunate.

The President and Secretary General of the TUC, Bala Kaigama and Musa Lawal respectively, in a statement Thursday, called the attack on Mr. Jonathan’s convoy “a national embarrassment”.

They said the situation was too dangerous, especially with the increased political tension in the country and commended the security agencies for averting the potential consequences of the action.

A group of hoodlums allegedly belonging to a rival political party, had reportedly stoned the convoy of the president after his visit to the residence of the mother of late President Umaru Yar’Adua, Hajia Dada, in Katsina on Tuesday.

The TUC warned politicians against making inflammatory comments as the nation approaches the 2015 elections.

The statement particularly cautioned the leader of the defunct Niger Delta Peoples Volunteer Force, Alhaji Mujahideen Dokubo-Asari, against utterances suggestive of possible division of the country.

They said, “The development is too dangerous in a tension- soaked country like ours. While we are glad that the security forces averted what was potentially an ugly situation, we once again appeal to politicians and their followers to play the game by the rule.

“We are amazed and worried by the anxiety in the land, fuelled by politicians whose language drips blood and violence, regardless of the peace pact signed by the presidential candidates.

“To hurl stones at people, nay the president of a country, simply because they hold opposing views or belong to different political organisations is the high point of the irresponsibility, crudity, cruelty, avarice and do-or-die attitude of the present day politician. This is unfortunate.

“The myriad of foul languages we hear and read in the papers by all political parties these days clearly show that politicians are not committed to decency in democracy. They have refused to show exemplary behaviour for their followers to emulate.

“The Congress also condemns the recent outburst of Asari-Dokubo. Such inflammatory statements can only be counter-productive and it will do no one any good. The country shall remain an indivisible entity no matter who wins or loses the elections”.