Former Governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, on Tuesday ordered the cancellation of the 70th birthday ceremony in his honour.
Guests had gathered for the event with the introduction of very important persons when he arrived.
However, rather than take his seat for the occasion, the former Governor announced that he was just being told of the sad incident where terrorists attacked passengers with at least about eight persons who have been confirmed dead.
He made the announcement at Eko Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos where guests and well wishers had come for the 13th Bola Ahmed Tinubu Colloquium with the theme, ‘Pivoting Nigeria Into The New Order’.
According to him, the attack was a “national tragedy” where many persons lost their lives
Asiwaju said it calls for sober reflection and not celebration.
He said,” I’ve just been informed about the death of over 60 passengers that was killed by bandits in the Abuja-Kaduna train attack yesterday. That’s a very serious incident about security of life in the country and it calls for a very serious sober reflection.
“To me, to be here celebrating, dancing and enjoying myself doesn’t show enough sign of a statement and a senior citizen of this country.
“I urge all our clergies and everyone who are here present continue to pray for the country and those who lost their lives in the tragedy scene. This event should not be hold”
“People you see around me here have all agreed with me on this decision. I have been a very highly committed democrat and we’ve agreed that this event be cancelled.
“We pray for the souls of those who have departed and we pray to Almighty God to help us win the war of evil, set Nigeria on the right path and provide a guidance on all of us in our various ways.
“Let’s observe one minute silence for those killed by bandits,” he concluded