The Chairman, Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Dennis Guwor, has expressed deep shock and sadness over the tragic crash of a Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft in Ondo State on Monday, involving 32 persons on board.
Guwor, who is also the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, described the incident as a national tragedy and a painful loss to the Nigerian Armed Forces, the aviation sector and the nation.
In a statement issued on Tuesday in Asaba by his Chief Press Secretary, Nkem Nwaeke, the Speaker extended his condolences to the families of those affected, the Nigerian Air Force and the Federal Government.
He said, “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.
“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 of Nigeria at this difficult moment.
“We condole with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, the Chief of Air Staff, the entire Nigerian Armed Forces, the government and people of Ondo State, where the crash occurred, as well as the families now facing unimaginable pain and loss.
“While commending President Tinubu for his directive ordering a full and thorough investigation into the crash, Guwor urged the relevant authorities, including the Nigerian Air Force and the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), to conduct a transparent, comprehensive and technically sound investigation to determine the cause of the incident and prevent a recurrence.
He noted that the incident had once again highlighted the sacrifices made daily by military personnel in the service of the nation.
“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.
Guwor further assured that state legislatures would continue to support measures aimed at strengthening safety standards through appropriate legislative interventions.
He prayed for the repose of the souls of those who may have lost their lives and asked God to grant their families, the Nigerian Air Force and the entire nation the strength and comfort to bear the loss.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by this tragedy,” he added.