By Chioma GABRIEL, Deputy Editor

In a reaction to the Abuja blast, the Arewa Consultative Forum, ACF, condemned the action describing it as unthinkable that a group would choose the opportunity of Nigeria’s golden jubilee to perpetrate such an  evil. In a statement signed the Secretary General of the Forum, Anthony Sani,  the group urged  for a thorough investigation into the action with a view to meting out retribution to offenders.
“The reported bomb blast at Eagle square during the celebrations of the 50th anniversary of Nigeria is unfortunate and condemnable by ACF and other patriotic Nigerians and even friends of Nigeria.  To choose such an occasion and venue for the mindless heinous act is to ignore its effect on the nation, the impression that Nigeria  is  insecure  for any meaningful socio economic development. This is wickedness.

“The ACF therefore urges  the federal  government to effect immediate investigation with the view to meting out retribution on the offenders and while doing so, the nation cannot disregard  the opinion  that we cannot divorce national insecurity from social injustice”.

Also reacting to the development, Professor Tam  David West said it’s a signal that Nigerians cannot take nonsense from their leaders anymore and also reflect on the level of insecurity in the nation.

“ It is very unfortunate. It has never happened before. It’s a signal to the people that there is a high level of insecurity in the country. The only time such a thing  happened was when a letter bomb that killed Dele Giwa was sent to him. It is telling our leaders that the people are not happy. It’s a signal that the nation is in another phase in  this country. It is a signal that come 2011, there must be free and fair elections or this country will be hot.

I have been a University Professor  since 1974 and this has never happened. It is a strong protest against Nigeria’s leadership, a  signal that while Nigerians are hungry, the leaders are celebrating and giving themselves awards and this is not right. Nigerians will not take nonsense from its leaders anymore.”

The former President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Dr. Ikedife in his reaction  urged the police to investigate the matter, make arrests and find out why they did it.

“It’s really unfortunate. The security operatives would have forestalled that. It is very important that arrests be made and the people responsible be brought to book”.

Also speaking on the issue, the current president of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Professor Ralph Uwechue described it as  a very dangerous dimension to our politics.

“On the day we are celebrating our golden jubilee, some people think it is the time to inflict sorrow and pain in the lives of Nigerians, killing people and causing their families grief. Such a thing should be regretted by all Nigerians.”