THE Abuja Independence Day bomb blast that claimed eight lives has drawn the ire of the Ondo State Government and leadership of Afenifere, the pan-Yoruba socio-political and cultural organisation.
In separate reactions in Akure, Ondo State capital yesterday, both described the blast as very sad and worrisome.
According to Fasoranti, who spoke to The Guardian on telephone, “it is a very, very sad event, especially coming at the 50th anniversary of our independence. If we have an effective intelligence network, the plan would have been nipped in the bud.
“But despite serious stricture on the part of the security system, I think there is more to this blast than meets the eye. Government should look deeper, because it might be a smokescreen by some people to divert attention. The matter should not be scratched on the surface if we must get the perpetrators of the heinous crime punished.
“Speaking as one of the Niger Delta states, we want to say that it takes being one to know the pains and frustrations of the people of the region and the need for the Nigerian nation to do more for the area.
“But like we have always said, that should not be an excuse for unleashing violence on the Fatherland. There is no justification whatsoever for the Abuja crime and those who planned it must face the full wrath of the law.
“India is a great democracy but it got its independence through the non-violent approach of its founding father. So we must all embrace dialogue to resolve whatever we are not comfortable with in the Nigerian system.