The Imo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has suspended campaigns and all party activities for three days in honour of the soldiers and crew members killed in the recent military aircraft crash in Ondo State.
The suspension was announced days after an ATR-42 aircraft with tail number NGR 931 crashed in Igbokoda, Ondo State, while on a routine mission from Benin, Edo State, to Lagos.
In a statement issued yesterday by the PDP State Publicity Secretary, Lancelot Obiaku,The party said the decision was taken as a mark of respect for the victims of the crash and in solidarity with their grieving families.
The party directed its organs, including ward, Local Government Area (LGA) and senatorial district chapters, as well as its candidates, to immediately suspend all political activities during the three-day mourning period.
It said the suspension was also intended to demonstrate solidarity with the families of the deceased, whom it described as grieving and traumatised by the tragedy.
“The party, as a result, directs its organs, Ward, LGA and Senatorial District chapters, as well as its candidates, to suspend, with immediate effect, all political activities in solidarity with the grieving and traumatised families of the fallen heroes,” the statement said.
The party also expressed sympathy with the Nigerian Army and the entire Armed Forces of Nigeria over the incident.
“The loss of these brave men and women, who devoted their lives to the service and protection of the nation, is deeply painful,” the party stated.
It added that the sacrifice of the deceased “will not be forgotten,” describing their service as evidence of their “courage, patriotism and commitment” to Nigeria.
The party urged the bereaved families and others affected by the crash to take solace in God, praying that they would receive the strength and comfort needed to cope with the loss.