Premium News
ENUGU, NIGER TRAGEDIES: LAWMAKER TO SPONSOR BILL REGULATING TANKER MOVEMENT
The Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum (Downstream), Ikenga Ugochinyere, has indicated interest to sponsor a legislation to regulate the movement of petrol laden tankers across the country, at night.
He said the legislation when it eventually becomes a law would avert the recurrence of such tragedies as the fuel tanker explosions in Enugu and Niger States where over 70 persons lost their lives, and properties destroyed.
In a release to the media on Monday, the lawmaker noted that the legislation would also address such movement during the day, as it would further ensure the safety of other road users.
He sympathised with the people and government of Enugu state, while also lamenting the reoccurrence of the same tragedy barely a week after a similar incident in Niger state which resulted in the death of several people and many others injured in southeastern state.
Ugochinyere who represents Ideato federal constituency of Imo State in the 10th Assembly continued, “I’m deeply saddened by the horrific tanker explosion which occurred on Saturday along 9th Mile 82 Division Expressway, Ugwuonyeama section in Enugu state when a tanker truck loaded with Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) also called petrol reportedly collided with some vehicles and erupted in flames, killing people.
“It is quite unfortunate, to say the least that this tragedy is repeating itself barely one week after a similar incident happened when another tanker exploded in Niger state which resulted into the death of over 80 people while several others severely injured are still receiving treatment in different hospitals.
“I therefore, express my deep grief and sympathies with the people and government of Enugu state, under the leadership of my brother and friend, Dr Peter Mbah. It is my sincere prayer that God Almighty grant the deceased eternal rest and grant their families the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss while granting quick healing to survivors.
“Beyond calling on government at all levels to take urgent steps towards averting the recurrence of such tragedies, I shall be putting forward a legislation aimed at regulating the movement of petrol tankers at night and ensuring the safety of other road users even in the day time when petroleum products are conveyed across the country.”
While condoling with families of the deceased and empathizing with that of the victims, he prayed for the repose of the souls of those who died from incidence and quick recovery for the survivors.
