National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Asiwaju Bola Tinubu has cancelled the 13th colloquium to celebrate his 70th birthday over the Abuja-Kaduna terror train attack, which left unspecified passengers dead.
Tinubu, who announced the cancellation just after the National Anthem at the colloquium, described the attack as a national tragedy.
“I am very sad about the situation and it calls for sober reflection,” he noted.
He added: “I have just been informed of a very sad incident in our country; very sad indeed, that over 60 people were killed and injured on the Abuja-Kaduna train last night. That is a very serious incident and it calls for sober reflection.
“Dancing and enjoying myself at this time does not show enough concern of a statesman and senior citizen of this country. This event should not be holding and so it is cancelled.
“I urge the clergies here to continue to pray for God to help us win the war over evil, set Nigeria on the right path, bless us and provide guidance on all of us in our various ways.
“Everyone should also go home and pray. This event should not be holding. We pray for the souls who have departed prematurely that they find rest. We also pray God to bring peace and stability to our country, accept the souls of the departed and give succor and healing to the injured.”
Prayers were led by Lagos chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Stephen Adegbite and Chief Imam of Lagos Sheikh Sulaiman Abuo Nola.
Dignitaries at the event were Governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos); Gboyega Oyetola (Osun) and Abdullahi Ganduje (Kano).
Also in attendance were former Borno Governor Kashim Shettima and former Economic and Financial Crimes Commission chairman (EFCC) Nuhu Ribadu.
Royal Fathers include Ooni of Ife Adeyeye Ogunwusi; Ayangburen of Ikorodu Kabiru Shotobi; Oluwo of Iwo AbdulRasheed Akanbi; Elegushi of Ikateland Saheed Elegushi and Oniru of Iruland Gbolahan Lawal, among others.
The business world was led by Aliko Dangote and Femi Otedola. Nollywood artistes at the event include Jide Kosoko, Adebayo Salami, Iya Rainbow, Lanre Hassan (Iya Awero), Yinka Quadri, Taiwo Hassan (Ogogo), Elesho, among others.