BY SUNDAY AKINTOYE
The Chairman of Gombe State Athletics Association, Hon. Ahmed Shuaibu Gara, Gombe, has expressed deepest condolences over the auto crash involving the Kano State Sports Contingent that was returning from the National Sports Festival in Ogun State.
In his press statement, Gara Gombe expressed shock following the auto crash that claimed the lives of Kano state contingents while coming back from the sports festival.
“I would like to use this opportunity to express my deepest sympathy to the Kano State Sports Contingent that lost their lives while returning from the National Sports Festival held in Ogun State.
“This tragic incident calls for national mourning not only for Kano State but the entire country. However, I would also like to extend my heartfelt condolences to the people and government of Kano State, where I served as a special adviser to the former Governor of Kano State. Aminu Gwankwaso.
“I know many of the athletes who lost in the tragic incident. It took me this long to issue this statement because I was speechless and in tears.
“However, we came from God and to him we would return. The bridge where the accident occurred has become notorious for claiming the lives of people over the years, and accidents on that bridge have always been fatal. Two drivers attached to the ill-fated bus died. The bridge was well constructed with good pavements, but I can’t understand why the bus skidded off the bridge and plunged under.
“Again, on behalf of Gombe Athletics Association, Gombe Athletics Academy and Chairman, CEO, Green White Green Sports Centre Ltd, I, the Chairman, Proprietor and Chief Executive Officer, wish to extend my condolences to the departed. Sadly, I don’t think this is the appropriate time for the Athletics Federation of Nigeria, AFN, to hold an election, a period of National mourning.
“If the elections were postponed owing to the National Sports Festival, why is it cogent and proper not to shift the election further after 22 lives perished.
It is sad that some insensitive individuals are still thinking about elections which is illegal.
“Since the AFN is myopic not to shift the elections, The National Sports Commission should intervane again in postponing the election during this time of national mourning” Gara Gombe concluded.
