5th July, 2015
President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki, has condemned in strong terms Sunday’s bomb attack on innocent worshippers at the Redeemed Christian Church of God in Potiskum , Yobe state, stressing that, Islamist sect, Boko Haram should embrace the government’s willingness to negotiate.
“My heart is with individuals and families who were directly or indirectly affected by this ungodly, sadistic and evil act,” Saraki said in a statement from his Media Office in Abuja.
“Sending Nigerians to their untimely grave can never be the solution to any religious, political or economic grievances.
“Besides, the Federal Government has demonstrated enough political will to engage any group in dialogue aimed at bringing these vicious and sad attacks to a final stop.
“The recent position of the Federal Government that it would not oppose negotiation with the insurgents ‘if the Boko Haram terrorist group opt for it’ ought to be seen as an olive branch extended to the sect by the present administration. And I urge them to take advantage of that opportunity to drop their weapons.
“I urge Nigerians not to give in to fear or be discouraged as a result of these renewed attacks as the Senate and the National Assembly under my leadership will maximally support President Muhammadu Buhari in his determination to retool and motivate the Armed Forces to decisively prosecute the war against terrorism”, the Senate President said.
He commended the military for their timely response and urged them to do all in their power to prevent this type of dastardly attacks in future.
Saraki further urged all Nigerians, especially the Muslim faithful, to use the holy month of Ramadan to seek God’s intervention on ways and means to end all forms of insecurity in the country.