The Presidency on Thursday advised the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to stop what it described as “crocodile tears” over sad and unfortunate killings in Plateau over the weekend.
Mr. Femi Adesina, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, gave the advice in a statement issued in Abuja.
He frowned at the situation where the unfortunate incident had been turned to opportunity to play “irresponsible politics, particularly by the PDP”.
Recall that the PDP had declared seven days of mourning over the Plateau killings.
However, 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.’’
The presidential aide further listed some “savage and brutal killings’’ in Nigeria during PDP rule, between 1999 and 2015, for which no national mourning was declared.
He cited the invasion of Odi, Bayelsa on Nov. 20, 1999, on orders of a PDP President, and about 2,500 people were reported killed and no national mourning.
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He said: “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 and 12, 2001, Jos, Plateau State, erupted in internecine killings. Be. 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 were 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.’’
Adesina stated that the Boko Haram killings in PDP years were over 10,000 and “PDP flags were still fluttering proudly in the sky’’.
“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 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 are wont to do so should have change of hearts, or lose their very humanity,’’ he advised.
END
