By Lawrence Olaoye
President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan on behalf of the people of the Federal Government yesterday extended his heartfelt condolences to President Francois Hollande and the people of France as they mourn the victims of yesterday’s dastardly terrorist attack.
Jonathan in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati stated that “Nigeria join the rest of the civilized world in condemning the heinous, senseless and totally unjustifiable killing of journalists and other persons during the attack on the satirical magazine, Charlie Hebdo.
“The President believes that the cowardly and ignoble attack by violent extremists is a monstrous assault on the right to freedom of expression.”
The President assures President Hollande and the people of France that Nigeria stands in full solidarity with them on this day of national mourning for those who lost their lives at the hands of terrorists in Paris yesterday.”
Noting that France has been a strong ally and dependable partner in strengthening regional cooperation in the fight against terrorism in Nigeria, West Africa and Africa as a whole, the President pledged that his administration will continue to work with the French government and other friendly governments in all continents to end the scourge of global terrorism.
He however urged media practitioners worldwide not to be discouraged or disheartened by the brutal murder of their colleagues in Paris yesterday, but to remain strong and fearless in pursuit of truth and the defence of human rights and freedom of expression.
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