President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed sadness over the tragic death of some members of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in a stampede at the presidential campaign rally in Port Harcourt, Rivers, on Tuesday.
While extending his deepest condolences to the family and friends of the victims, the President also wished a quick recovery to those who were injured.
The President, in a statement issued by an aide, Garba Shehu in Abuja, described the deaths as “needless loss of lives and an anti-climax to a highly successful outing,” pointing out that the deaths could have been avoided if there had been an orderly exit from the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium.
“It is indeed a great tragedy that Nigerians who have important roles to play in shaping the future of the country and had come to see and hear from us how hard their government is working to build a Nigeria of their dreams, would meet their end in this unfortunate circumstance.
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“I assure the people, with all sense of responsibility, that the party and the government will do everything possible to ensure the well-being and safety of our citizens as they troop out to attend rallies and all other political events,” he said.
The President assured the government and the people of Rivers State as well as the affected families of the support and prayers of the Federal Government during this difficult time and prayed Almighty God to grant the souls of the deceased repose.