The Presidency has accused the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of shedding crocodile tears by declaring a mourning period for people killed in Plateau state, saying that even though more people were killed under the former ruling party, it never declared a mourning period.
A statement issued by Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, in Abuja on Thursday, gave a list of killings under PDP which it said the party never mourned.
The statement said that it was sad and unfortunate killings in Plateau state over the weekend have been turned to an opportunity to once again play irresponsible politics, particularly by the PDP.
The PDP had on Wednesday declared seven days of mourning during which it said flags in its office will fly at half mast.
The presidency stated: “These are dolorous times that call for deep introspection on how cheap human lives have become, and the proffering of actionable ideas on how to get out of the bind. But the PDP would rather dance on the graves of the dead, playing cheap, infantile politics.
“The comatose and prostrate party is declaring seven days of mourning, during which flags in its offices would be flown at half-mast nationwide. But unknown to the party, those flags had been forcefully lowered since its 2015 loss at the polls and may remain so for a long time to come, because Nigerians are politically discerning, and cannot be hoodwinked by cheap antics.
“A quick checklist of some savage and brutal killings in Nigeria during PDP rule, between 1999 and 2015, for which no national mourning was declared:
“November 20, 1999. Odi, in Bayelsa State, was invaded on orders of a PDP President. About 2,500 people killed. No national mourning.
“Between February and May 2000, about 5,000 people were killed during riots over Sharia law in different parts of the North. No national mourning.
“In 2001, hundreds of people, including the old, infirm, women and children were killed in Zaki Biam. No crocodile tears.
“Between September 7-12, 2001, Jos, Plateau State, erupted in internecine killings. Between 500 and 1,000 people were killed. Flags were not flown at half mast.
“In February 2004, at least 975 people were killed in Yelwa-Shendam, Plateau State. No mourning by the then ruling PDP.
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