Date: 2012-04-27

The Governor of Kwara State, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed has described as shocking and unfortunate the attack on Thisday Newspaper office in Abuja and the incident in Kaduna.

 Governor Ahmed in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Alhaji Abdulwahab Oba noted that the bomb attacks on media establishments marked a dangerous trend as the mass media constitute the conscience of the nation and the fulcrum of the free speech required for deepening democratic culture in the Society.

 The Governor said the attacks represent another despicable and deplorable effort to silence popular expression by hoisting the flag of hate and fear on the good people of Nigeria.

 Alhaji Ahmed advised journalists in the country not to be despondent as a result of the new threat to their profession, but remain committed to the pursuit of the ideals of journalism and good governance.

"On behalf of the good people of Kwara State", the Governor said, "I commiserate with the management and staff of Thisday, the NUJ, NPAN, NGEs, friends and families of the deceased on this occasion of national grief. May the souls of the departed rest in peace and restore our national honour and dignity".