By Tom Garba, Yola
The former Secretary to Government of the Federation, Engr Babachir David Lawal, has distanced himself from a voice note accredited to him inciting Christians to retaliate against the killing of Ms. Deborah Samuel who was killed by a mob in Sokoto for alleged blasphemy.
Babachir, a Northern Christian stakeholder, said he rightly feltnindignant about the incident and condemned it as it is, but not in his character to incite people to retaliate.
According to him, the voice on the voice note is not his own nor is it in his character to incite revenge.
David, in a press statement, said: “There is a voice note being circulated in the social media purported to have been made by me inciting Christians to retaliate the recurring violence repeatedly unleashed on Christian individuals, their communities, and their properties as epitomized by the recent burning to death of Miss Deborah Samuel and Church property in Sokoto.
“While I rightly feel indignant about these killings, it is not in my character to incite people to retaliate. Besides, the voice on the voice note is not mine neither is it in my character to incite revenge.
“The Bible urges believers to leave vengeance to God and I have always urged all victims of religious bigotry and violence to obey this injunction. And I am particularly heartened that the parents of Deborah Samuel have chosen this path.
“For those whose interest is best served by this wicked and cowardly act of trying to sully my name, I wish them well. But certainly, it was not done by me neither did I say such. Certainly, the voice is not mine, the sentiment is not mine and the grammar is not mine.
“I, therefore, urge all my friends and family to ignore this malicious act. It will backfire on the evil men.”