Ondo air crash: APC chieftain backs Tinubu’s call for probe

APC Chieftain. Tolu Bankole

A member of the National Working Committee of the All Progressives Congress, Tolu Bankole, on Tuesday commended President Bola Tinubu for ordering an immediate investigation into the cause of the Nigerian Air Force aircraft crash in Ondo State.

Bankole, who is also the APC National Leader for Persons with Disabilities and Secretary of the Subcommittee of the APC National Campaign Council for Osun, described the President’s directive as timely and necessary to prevent a recurrence of the tragedy.

He made the commendation in a statement issued in Abuja following Monday’s crash of an NAF ATR-42 aircraft near Igbokoda in the Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State.

The crash claimed the lives of 32 people comprising 25 passengers and seven crew members.

He said, “Mr. President’s directive that the Nigerian Air Force should immediately commence a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash to prevent future occurrences is apt, timely and demonstrates responsive leadership.

“I commend Mr. President for his prompt and compassionate response, for declaring a three-day national mourning and directing that flags be flown at half-mast in honour of our fallen heroes.”

Tinubu had earlier directed the NAF to immediately investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.

The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday titled, ‘President Tinubu mourns NAF personnel in Ondo jet crash, orders thorough investigation of the mishap.’

• Ondo air crash: Diri condoles with Tinubu, NAF, victims’ families
• No words can comfort families of NAF air crash victims – Atiku
• Ondo crash: FG won’t abandon bereaved families, says Shettima

Continuing, Bankole described the incident as a “heartbreaking loss” to the Nigerian Air Force, the Armed Forces and the country, saying the deceased personnel had made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.

He said, “This is a heartbreaking loss to the Nigerian Air Force, the Armed Forces and our nation at large. These officers were patriots who daily put their lives on the line to secure the territorial integrity of our country. Their sacrifice and dedicated service to the nation will never be forgotten.

“I extend my heartfelt condolences to the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, the officers, airmen and airwomen of the Nigerian Air Force, and most importantly, to the families of our fallen heroes who have paid the supreme price in the course of national duty.”

The APC chieftain also commended the swift response of first responders and the Ondo State Government at the crash site.

Bankole prayed for the repose of the souls of the deceased and urged Nigerians to stand in solidarity with the Armed Forces during the period of mourning.

He said, “May Almighty God grant the souls of our gallant officers eternal rest and grant their families, the Nigerian Air Force and the entire nation the fortitude to bear this painful and irreparable loss.

“We stand in solidarity with the Armed Forces at this difficult time.”