A member of the National Working Committee of the All Progressives Congress, Tolu Bankole, has commended President Bola Tinubu for directing the immediate investigation into the Nigerian Air Force aircraft crash in Ondo State.
Bankole, who also serves as the APC National Leader for Persons with Disabilities and Secretary of the Subcommittee of the APC National Campaign Council for Osun, said the investigation was necessary to determine the cause of the crash and help prevent similar incidents in the future.
He made the statement in Abuja on Tuesday while reacting to Monday’s crash involving a NAF ATR-42 aircraft near Igbokoda in the Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State.
The incident claimed 32 lives, comprising 25 passengers and seven crew members.
Bankole said the President’s decision to order an immediate probe reflected responsive leadership, while also praising Tinubu for declaring three days of national mourning and ordering that national flags be flown at half-mast in honour of the deceased.
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 instructed the Nigerian Air Force to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.
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The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, announced the directive in a statement issued on Monday titled, ‘President Tinubu mourns NAF personnel in Ondo jet crash, orders thorough investigation of the mishap.’
Describing the tragedy as a major loss to the military and the country, Bankole said the victims paid the ultimate price while serving the nation.
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 praised first responders and the Ondo State Government for their swift intervention at the crash site.
He called on Nigerians to support the Armed Forces during the mourning period and prayed for the souls of those who died in the incident.
Bankole 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.”