(http://www.thenationonlineng.net/2011/thumbnail.php?file=oga_981055280.jpg&size=article_medium) President Jonathan President Goodluck Jonathan has condemned Thursday’s bomb blasts which occurred in Abuja and Kaduna offices of Thisday and The Sun newspapers.
The President, who is far away in Abidjan, Cote D’Ivoire where he is attending an Extra-Ordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States on the situation in Mali and Guinea-Bissau, said he received the news with sadness.
Jonathan, according to a statement issued by his media aide, Dr. Reuben Abati, also described the action of those behind the dastardly act as “ignoble, misguided, horrendous and wicked.”
The President, the statement further stated “reaffirmed the commitment of the Federal Government to continue to uphold the constitutional rights to freedom of expression in general and of press freedom in particular, pledging that criminal elements bent on instilling fear in the minds of Nigerians and foreigners will not succeed."
The President assured all Nigerians that the administration remains undeterred in its resolve to ensure the safety of lives and property at all times.
The President also urged media practitioners not to be dissuaded from carrying out their fearless campaign for peace, justice and equity as democracy cannot flourish without press freedom.
Jonathan commiserated with the bereaved families and other innocent victims of the explosions, and also prayed that Almighty God will grant them succour in their moment of grief and the souls of the departed, peaceful repose.
TheNation