Shortly after the commencement of the well-publicised 13th Annual Colloquium to mark the 70th birthday anniversary of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, the national leader of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC has called off the well-attended event.
Tinubu said his action became necessary to mourn the victims of the Abuja-Kaduna Train attack, which occurred on Monday night in Kaduna State.
“This event shouldn’t be held. I am very sad about the situation and it calls for sober reflection
“I have just been informed of a very sad incident in our country; very sad indeed, that over 60 people were killed and injured on the Abuja-Kaduna train last night. That is a very serious incident and it calls for sober reflection.
“Dancing and enjoying myself at this time does not show enough concern for a statesman and senior citizen of this country. This event should not be held and so it is cancelled”, Tinubu told his guests, associates and followers at the Eko Hotels in Lagos, venue of the event.
He, thereafter, called on the two Christian and Islamic clerics, who offered opening prayers earlier, to also offer a special prayer for the repose of the victims of the terrorist attack and for the nation in general before departure of guests.
“I urge the clergies here to continue to pray for God to help us win the war over evil, set Nigeria on the right path, bless us and provide guidance on all of us in our various ways.
“Everyone should also go home and pray. This event should not be held. We pray for the souls who have departed prematurely that they find rest. We also pray to God to bring peace and stability to our country, accept the souls of the departed and give succour and healing to the injured.”
Prayers were led by Lagos chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Stephen Adegbite and Chief Imam of Lagos Sheikh Sulaiman Abuo Nola.
Dignitaries at the event were Governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos); Gboyega Oyetola (Osun) and Abdullahi Ganduje (Kano).
Also in attendance were former Borno Governor Kashim Shettima and former Economic and Financial Crimes Commission chairman (EFCC), Nuhu Ribadu.
Royal Fathers include Ooni of Ife Adeyeye Ogunwusi; Ayangburen of Ikorodu Kabiru Shotobi; Oluwo of Iwo AbdulRasheed Akanbi; Elegushi of Ikateland Saheed Elegushi and Oniru of Iruland Gbolahan Lawal, among others.
The business world was led by Aliko Dangote and Femi Otedola. Nollywood artistes at the event include Jide Kosoko, Adebayo Salami, Iya Rainbow, Lanre Hassan (Iya Awero), Yinka Quadri, Taiwo Hassan (Ogogo), Elesho, among others.
