The Chairman of the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria, Emomotimi Dennis Guwor, has expressed shock over the crash of a Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft in Ondo State on Monday.
Guwor, who is Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, described the incident involving 32 persons on board as a national tragedy.
In a statement on Tuesday by his Chief Press Secretary, Nkem Nwaeke, in Asaba, Guwor said the crash was a painful blow to the armed forces, the aviation sector and the nation.
“On behalf of the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria, I join all well-meaning Nigerians to mourn the tragic crash of the Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft in Ondo State,” he said.
“This is a very sad and heartbreaking incident. Our hearts go out to the officers, crew members and other persons on board, their families, the Nigerian Air Force and the federal government in this moment of grief.
“We condole with President Bola Tinubu, the Chief of Air Staff, the entire Nigerian Armed Forces, the government and people of Ondo State where the crash occurred and the families who are now facing unimaginable pain and loss.”
Guwor commended Tinubu for directing a full investigation into the crash, saying it underscored the premium the commander-in-chief places on the lives of military personnel and aviation safety.
He urged relevant authorities, including the Nigerian Air Force and the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau, to carry out a transparent and comprehensive investigation to establish the cause and prevent a recurrence.
“Incidents like this remind us of the enormous sacrifices our gallant military personnel make daily to keep Nigeria safe and united. We must, as a nation, continue to prioritise the safety, welfare and operational readiness of our armed forces,” he said.
“As legislators across the 36 states, we will continue to support through legislative interventions, all efforts aimed at strengthening safety standards.
“We pray for the repose of the souls of those who may have lost their lives, for divine comfort for their families. May God grant the Nigerian Air Force and the entire nation the fortitude to bear this painful loss.”