By Francis Sardauna
The National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has donated N50 million to the victims of Katsina Central Market fire incident and called for the reopening of the market to enable traders resume commercial activities.
The former Lagos State governor, who announced the donation while addressing the affected traders at the ravaged market yesterday, said he would continue to support the state government and the traders to rebuild the affected shops.
Tinubu, who was accompanied to the scene by Governor Aminu Bello Masari; his Deputy, Hon. Mannir Yakubu and the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Mustapha Inuwa, expressed shock over the fire disaster.
He said the immediate reopening of the market would enable the victims to ascertain the number of properties lost and kickstart their means of livelihoods.
He, however, admonished Nigerians to shun violence and acts capable of disrupting peace and stability of the country, saying no meaningful development could be achieved in an atmosphere of rancour.
He explained that it had become imperative to promote unity and harmonious co-existence as well as address the nagging social and economic problems facing the country.
He said: “I am here to commiserate with the governor and the people of Katsina State, especially men and women who are affected by the fire. I have donated N50 million to the affected traders. “Whatever affects the people of Katsina State affects me too and that is why I am here.
“We will continue to promote unity and collaboration among members of communities in our country. We cannot displace ourselves, but unite ourselves to promote peace and stability”.
Earlier, Masari commended the APC leader for sympathising with the state government and the affected traders, adding that his administration was doing everything humanly possible to assist the victims.
