Orji Kalu becomes first Nigerian politician to condemn Deborah’s murder, demand justice

Former Governor of Abia, Orji Uzor Kali has come out to condemn “in strong terms”, the killing of Deborah Yakubu by Islamic fanatics.

This comes as other politicians look away from the religion-inspired murders, carrying on with their hustle for votes towards the 2023 general elections.

Former vice President Atiku Abubakar deleted a post to condemn the killing and even threw his aides under the bus after the Islamic extremists threatened to work against his 2023 presidential ambition.

Mr Kali, the Chief Whip of the Nigerian Senate, described the killimg of Ms Yakubu by Islamic mob as “evil, cruel and barbaric.” 

He, therefore, called on the Sokoto state government to bring perpetrators of the gruesome killing to justice.

The lawmaker’s thoughts were aired via a statement he issued on Friday.

“Students should not engage in illegitimate acts and as such,” said Mr Kalu, “the ugly incident must be thoroughly investigated with the aim of bringing the perpetrators to book.”

Speaking further, the lawmaker asked “parents and guardians to instil good moral values in their children and wards so as to build a good society.”

He, however, pointed out that Islam and Christianity do not support violence and called on Nigerians to embrace peace and unity.

Ms Yakubu, a 200 level Home Economics student of Shehu Shagari College of Education, Sokoto, was stoned and set ablaze by her course mates who accused her of blasphemy to Prophet Muhammed.

Mr Kalu stressed his “strong condemnation” for the murder and urged the Sokoto government, security agencies and the school authorities to collaborate to fish out the orchestrators of the sad incident.

He commiserated with the family of the deceased, while urging students of the institution to shun violence and social vices.

(NAN)