BY Emma Ujah, Abuja Bureau Chief

Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Malam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, Monday, donated N25 million to victims of the 2011 Christmas day bombing at St. Theresa Catholic Church, Madalla.

The condolence visit by Sanusi, who was in the company of some top executives of the apex bank, came after heavy criticisms over his N100 million donation to victims of the Kano blasts.

However, Sanusi explained that he would have visited the church on Monday last week, but for the fact that the Parish Priest, Rev Fr. Isaac Achi, was out of town on a trip to Owerri.

Sanusi added that he travelled when Father Achi returned. He said the donation was meant for all the victims, including neighbours of the church.

Sanusi said: “We decided, first of all that as a responsible corporate citizen, apart from the personal call that we made, we decided that we should come here, give our condolences, give our sympathy.

“The Board of Central Bank in 2006 had approved a policy framework for corporate social responsibility, part of which we know that sometimes, incidents like this can happen. While money does not bring back life, the policy document encourages the bank that when things like this happens, to try and see in what way it can show concern, it can give assistance so that we can all be our brothers’ keepers.

“In keeping with that, the Committee of Governors met a little over a week ago and took a decision to make a contribution to the victims, widows and orphans of and the injured of these two incidents in Kano and Madalla.

“This was on Friday and we were planning to come here on Monday. But on Saturday, we were informed that the Parish Priest would not be in. He was to be around on Thursday. But on Thursday, I was not available and I wanted to be here in person.

“For that reason we requested to postpone it till Monday (yesterday). I had to fly into the country this morning to ensure I am here personally.”

The CBN boss described the incident as a dastardly act which could not have been imagined in the country.
The priest presented to the CBN boss a brochure containing names of victims of the blast, which included non-parishioner neighbours of the church.

In his remarks, the Bishop of Mina Diocese, Most Revd Martin Uzrukwu said Sanusi’s visit would go a long way in “quenching the fire in many of our people,” saying although money could not compensate for lives lost, it could ameliorate the suffering of the bereaved and the injured some of who were still in hospitals.