APC Chieftain Tolu Bankole Supports Tinubu's Order for Ondo Air Crash Investigation

Tolu Bankole, a member of the National Working Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC), on Tuesday lauded President Bola Tinubu's prompt directive for a thorough investigation into the recent Nigerian Air Force (NAF) aircraft crash in Ondo State. Bankole, who also serves as the APC National Leader for Persons with Disabilities and Secretary of the Subcommittee of the APC National Campaign Council for Osun, described the President's instruction as crucial and timely for preventing similar future tragedies.

His commendation came in a statement issued from Abuja, following the NAF ATR-42 aircraft mishap on Monday near Igbokoda, located in the Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State. The unfortunate incident resulted in the loss of 32 lives, comprising 25 passengers and seven crew members.

Bankole stated, “Mr. President’s directive that the Nigerian Air Force should immediately commence a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash to prevent future occurrences is apt, timely and demonstrates responsive leadership. I commend Mr. President for his prompt and compassionate response, for declaring a three-day national mourning and directing that flags be flown at half-mast in honour of our fallen heroes.”

Earlier, President Tinubu had instructed the NAF to promptly investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash. This was disclosed by Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, in a statement released on Monday titled, ‘President Tinubu mourns NAF personnel in Ondo jet crash, orders thorough investigation of the mishap.’

Continuing, Bankole characterized the crash as a “heartbreaking loss” for the Nigerian Air Force, the entire Armed Forces, and the nation. He emphasized that the deceased personnel had made the ultimate sacrifice in their service to the country. He remarked, “This is a heartbreaking loss to the Nigerian Air Force, the Armed Forces and our nation at large. These officers were patriots who daily put their lives on the line to secure the territorial integrity of our country. Their sacrifice and dedicated service to the nation will never be forgotten.”

The APC chieftain extended his profound sympathies, stating, “I extend my heartfelt condolences to the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, the officers, airmen and airwomen of the Nigerian Air Force, and most importantly, to the families of our fallen heroes who have paid the supreme price in the course of national duty.”

Bankole also acknowledged the swift actions of first responders and the Ondo State Government at the crash site. He offered prayers for the eternal rest of the departed souls and urged Nigerians to show solidarity with the Armed Forces during this period of national mourning. He concluded, “May Almighty God grant the souls of our gallant officers eternal rest and grant their families, the Nigerian Air Force and the entire nation the fortitude to bear this painful and irreparable loss. We stand in solidarity with the Armed Forces at this difficult time.”