The Imo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has suspended campaigns and all party activities for three days as a mark of respect for the victims of the recent tragic crash involving a military aircraft in Ondo State, which resulted in the deaths of gallant soldiers and crew members who lost their lives in the line of duty.
In a statement issued in Owerri on Thursday by the State Publicity Secretary, Lancelot Obiaku, the party directed its organs, wards, LGA and senatorial district chapters, as well as its candidates, to suspend, with immediate effect, all political activities in solidarity with the grieving and traumatised families of the fallen heroes.
The party expressed sadness over the unfortunate incident, mourning the huge and painful loss, and extended its heartfelt condolences to the families, friends, colleagues and loved ones of the deceased officers and crew members, as well as to the Nigerian Army and the entire Armed Forces of Nigeria over the tragic incident.
According to the party, the loss of these brave men and women, who devoted their lives to the service and protection of the nation, was deeply painful.
He said: “Their sacrifice will not be forgotten, and their service to Nigeria will always bear witness to their courage, patriotism and commitment to the country.”
The party urged the grieving families and all those affected by the incident to take solace in God and keep faith in His unfailing comfort.
He said: “While no words can adequately heal the pain of losing a loved one under such tragic circumstances, we pray that the Almighty God grants the families the strength, grace and fortitude to bear this irreparable loss, and grants the souls of the departed eternal rest.”
Meanwhile, the Imo State PDP expressed its appreciation to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as well as the security agencies, for their coordinated efforts in deploying available mechanisms to secure the safe release and freedom of members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) who were abducted in the state a few days ago.
The party said that with this development, the corps members, who were on their way to serve their fatherland before their abduction, would reunite with their families.
They said that their release would give the society and the party huge relief, as the party had been particularly concerned since the news of their abduction filtered in.
The Imo PDP, therefore, hailed the efforts of the President in the fight against insecurity and appreciated the security forces and relevant authorities for their bravery and commitment as they continued to work tirelessly to secure the lives and property of Nigerians.
They said: “No family should be made to endure the agony of uncertainty over the fate of loved ones in captivity.”
The party prayed to God to grant those who died in the unfortunate Ondo crash eternal rest, comfort their families and loved ones, and grant the nation more wisdom and courage to confront the security challenges facing the people of the country.