Former Lagos State Governor and All Progressives Congress (APC) stalwart, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, has backed Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s order for an investigation into what led to the collapse of the 21-storey building on Gerald Road, Ikoyi.
He said the government must get to the bottom of the ghastly occurrence, while adding that he sought “not to prejudge anything or anyone”.
“It is obvious and plain to us all that something went terribly wrong. If indeed intentional or reckless wrongdoing has been committed, severe and appropriate sanctions should find those who have been found to have shirked their fundamental responsibilities. The departed, their grieving families and the people of Lagos deserve no less and should perhaps demand even more.”
Tinubu’s commiseration with the dead, sympathy for other victims of the incident and condemnation of the collapse is contained in a statement yesterday by his Media Office in Abuja.
The former Lagos governor said in the statement: “The collapse of a 21-storey building on Gerald Road in Ikoyi, Lagos is a sad and painful incident. Once more and all too often, we have suffered the loss of lives for no defensible reason. This tragedy should never have occurred.
“Workers at the site and, for that matter no one, who is simply trying to work in order to care for their loved ones, should have their lives abbreviated in such a manner. No one should suffer what these people suffered. Nor should families have to hear such news and bear such a burden like this. As we pray that the souls of the deceased now rest in peace, human compassion requires us to do more. We must reach out to their families with both prayer and practical support and assistance during this terrible moment.