AU, NLC, France condemn Christmas day bombings

Addis Ababa – Chairperson of the African Union Commission, AUC,  Dr. Jean Ping, has condemned the bombings of churches across Nigeria on Christmas day.

In a statement, Dr Ping expressed his most sincere condolences to the bereaved families of the victims, who have been denied the opportunity to celebrate Christmas with their loved ones, and wished the injured strength and a speedy recovery.

The Chairperson said Boko Haram’s continued acts of terror and cruelty and absolute disregard for human life cannot be justified by any religion or faith.

He reaffirmed AU’s total rejection of all acts of intolerance, extremism and terrorism.

NLC condemns blasts

The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, in a statement by the Acting General Secretary of NLC Comrade Owei Lakemfa, said: “Some Nigerians who left their homes to worship tragically did not return as their lives were cut short by bombs. They became victims of terrorists whose minds are as blurred as their vision. The NLC condemns in strong terms these vicious acts and commiserates with the victims families “

Owei further wished those who sustained injuries speedy recoveries and not to be deterred by the terrorists nor give up on building a peaceful and united country where the people shall prevail.

“The bombings are a manifestation of the failure of the political leadership that throw money at problems like securityr rather than solve them as part of the steps to tackle the security challenges.“

The NLC scribe further called on the three tiers of government to stop diverting the people’s attention with their sterile debates about fuel subsidy removal and let Nigerians unite and concentrate in the struggle against crime and terrorism.

…France too

Paris, French Foreign Minister Alain Juppe, yesterday condemned  the “violent attacks” which rocked Nigeria’s churches on Christmas Day.

In a statement posted on the ministry’s website, the French top diplomat sent his condolences to victims’ families and the Nigerian government, denouncing the “outbreak of violence” in Nigeria

“As I expressed to the Nigerian authorities during my visit there in November last year, France supports them in their fight against terrorism,” Juppe added.

France’s President Nicolas Sarkozy on Sunday also strongly condemned the Christmas Day bomb attacks in Nigeria.