The Presidency said on Thursday last weekend’s killings in Plateau State
had been used to play irresponsible politics, particularly by the Peoples
Democratic Party (PDP).
The PDP has declared seven days of mourning over the killings.
A statement issued by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the
President, Femi Adesina, said: “These are dolorous times that call for
deep introspection on how cheap human lives have become and the proffering
of actionable ideas on how to get out of the bind. But the PDP would
rather dance on the graves of the dead, playing cheap, infantile politics.
“The comatose and prostrate party is declaring seven days of mourning,
during which flags in its offices would be flown at half-mast nationwide.
But unknown to the party, those flags had been forcefully lowered since
its 2015 loss at the polls, and may remain so for a long time to come,
because Nigerians are politically discerning, and cannot be hoodwinked by
cheap antics.
“A quick checklist of some savage and brutal killings in Nigeria during
PDP rule, between 1999 and 2015, for which no national mourning was
declared:
“November 20, 1999, Odi, in Bayelsa State, was invaded on orders of a PDP
President. About 2,500 people killed. No national mourning.
“Between February and May, 2000, about 5,000 people were killed during
riots over Sharia law in different parts of the North. No national
mourning.
“In 2001, hundreds of people, including the old, infirm, women and
children were killed in Zaki Biam. No crocodile tears.
“Between September 7-12, 2001, Jos, Plateau State, erupted in internecine
killings. Between 500 and 1,000 people were killed. Flags were not flown
at half -mast.
“In February, 2004, at least 975 people were killed in Yelwa-Shendam,
Plateau State. No mourning by the then ruling PDP.
“Between November 28 and 29, 2008, Jos was in flames again, with 381
deaths. No mourning.
“In 2010, 992 people killed in Jos. Mum was the word.
“In 2014 alone, according to Global Terrorism Index, at least 1,229 people
were killed in the Middle Belt. No mourning.”
Boko Haram killings in PDP years, he said, were over 10,000 while PDP
flags were still fluttering proudly in the sky.
He added: “Those who take pleasure in twisting statements from the
Presidency may claim we are saying that many more people were killed under
PDP than under President Muhammadu Buhari. It would be unconscionable to
do so.
“The intendment of this statement is to show that wanton killings had been
with us for awhile; this government is working towards enduring solutions;
and should be given the opportunity to do so.
“Even a single soul is precious, and no man should take a life, which he
cannot create. But when tragic situations as had happened in Plateau State
occur, such should never be used to play crude politics. Those who wont to
do so should have change of hearts, or lose their very humanity.”