In a heartfelt response to the tragic accident that claimed the lives of twenty-two of Kano State’s athletes, team official and journalist, Ahmed Shuaibu Gara Gombe, a prominent presidential aspirant for the upcoming elections of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), has urged for the postponement of the electoral process.
The plea follows a horrific auto crash involving the team’s bus, which was returning home from the recently concluded 2024 National Sports Festival held in Ogun State. The devastating incident occurred on Saturday, approximately 50 kilometres from the historic city of Kano, leaving a profound impact on the nation.
Gara Gombe, who previously served as a Sports Advisor to a former governor of Kano State, described the event as a national tragedy, emphasising that moving forward with the elections would be inappropriate given the circumstances.
“It is both insensitive and unjustified to proceed with the elections so soon after such a horrific loss,” he stated, expressing his dismay upon seeing an announcement for the elections just 24 hours post-incident.
The crash resulted in the deaths of young athletes, officials, journalists, and staff from the Kano State Sports Commission, prompting Gara Gombe to call for immediate action from the National Sports Commission (NSC).
He noted that the elections had already been postponed due to the National Sports Festival, and continuing with it now shows a lack of compassion for the victims and their families.
“The government must act to halt the electoral process, at least until the official mourning period, which according to Islamic tradition is seven days, has passed,” he asserted, warning that any elections held during this time could be deemed null and void.
Gara Gombe extended his deepest condolences to the families of those who perished in the accident, stating, “This calls for mourning, not just in Kano State, but across Nigeria.” Reflecting on the lives lost, he shared his personal connection to many athletes involved, expressing his grief and disbelief at the news.
The tragic accident, which some speculate was due to fatigue or overspending, occurred at a notoriously dangerous stretch of road where the bus plunged into a ditch. Gara Gombe clarified that the team had taken precautions by ensuring two drivers were present to manage fatigue. Unfortunately, both drivers were among those who lost their lives.
Gara Gombe who is the chairman of Gombe State Athletics Association and CEO of Green White Green Sports Center Limited, concluded by urging everyone to recognise the fragility of life, declaring, “May the souls of the departed rest in peace.”
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