President Tinubu expresses solidarity with UAE following attacks on civilian and economic infrastructure
via Punch Nigeria1 min read
President Bola Tinubu on Thursday expressed solidarity with the United Arab Emirates after attacks on its civilian and economic infrastructure. In a post on his X handle, President Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria’s support for global peace and stability, condemning actions that threaten civilian populations and critical assets. He also reaffirmed his support for his UAE counterpart, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and the measures the UAE has taken to safeguard its civilian populations and critical infrastructure. This statement comes amidst heightened tensions in the Middle East, with Iranian missile and drone strikes targeting the Gulf nation’s civilian population and key economic assets. The conflict began in February when the United States, working with Israeli forces, carried out strikes on Iran in an operation codenamed Operation Fury, sanctioned by President Donald Trump in response to an alleged move by Iran to develop nuclear power. Iran retaliated with missile and drone barrages across the region, including attacks on the UAE. Reports indicate that the UAE’s air defence systems, including THAAD and Patriot batteries, intercepted hundreds of projectiles, though some strikes caused civilian casualties, injuries, and infrastructure damage in areas like Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Initial diplomatic efforts in Islamabad, Pakistan, ended in deadlock, with further talks under consideration.
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Senate President Godswill Akpabio called on Nigerians to continue praying for the exposure of those sponsoring terrorism, speaking at an Inter-Denominational Church Service for Democracy Day in Abuja. Akpabio reflected on his time as Akwa Ibom State governor, where he initiated monthly prayer sessions to combat kidnapping, militancy, and killings. He emphasized that Nigeria has overcome past crises, including political upheavals, economic turbulence, pandemics like Ebola and COVID-19, and insurgencies, highlighting 27 years of uninterrupted democratic governance. Akpabio acknowledged the widespread pain caused by insecurity, including kidnappings and violent attacks, and called for national resilience. He shared his personal anguish from the Nigerian civil war, relating it to the trauma faced by families affected by current insecurity. Akpabio assured Nigerians of President Bola Tinubu's administration's commitment to ending insecurity, restoring peace, and securing the release of all captives. Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, also stated the federal government's efforts to ease economic hardship and enhance security measures.
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