The Presidency has lambasted the leading opposition party, Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, for declaring seven days of mourning over the Plateau killings that claimed no fewer than 86 lives.
The Presidency described PDP’s action as playing irresponsible politics with a very serious situation.
According to the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, “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.”
He said rather than help proffer solution, the PDP would rather dance on the graves of the dead by playing cheap, infantile politics.
The Presidency said despite the number of lives lost when PDP was in government no national day of mourning was declared.
The party’s flag, it added, was also not flown at half mast.
The Presidency said Nigerians had become discerning politically and would no longer be “hoodwinked by cheap antics.”
The Presidency, however, cautioned: “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 are wont to do so should have change of hearts, or lose their very humanity.”
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A list of the killings under the PDP-led administrations between 1999 and 2015 as compiled by the Presidency is shown below:
“- 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 were over 10,000. PDP flags were still fluttering proudly in the sky.”
