NDDC Commiserates with Victims of Tanker Fire Incident in Rivers

*Promises relief materials, condemn reckless driving

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), has condoled with families and victims of the tanker fire incident that claimed lives and properties worth billions along the Akpajo-Onne axis for the East-West road in Eleme local government area of Rivers State.

The NDDC stated that the agency will present relief materials and cash palliatives to the families in order to cushion their losses.

Rivers State representative at the NDDC governing board, Tony Okocha, announced this yesterday while addressing journalists in Port Harcourt.

The Rivers State Rep noted the economic importance of Eleme to the nation. He regretted the impatience of drivers that led to the inferno and death of many.

He said the decision is a directive from the Chairman of the Board, Mr Chiedu Ebie, that the commission visits the scene of the accident as well as the families of the victims so as to identify with them.

Okocha described those who lost their lives as circumstantial victims, and called on the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), to be proactive in their duty.

While condemning the reckless acts of drivers, especially the truck drivers, Okocha cautioned those plying the route to be cautious, considering the nature of the road, which is undergoing construction work.

He also emphasised the need for the federal, state and local government authorities to ensure that overzealous drivers do not take over the roads.

“Today’s session is in show of solidarity with Nigerians who lost their lives and property because of the tanker fire that took place in Eleme. Eleme is a local government area in Rivers State, housing multinational and national companies. It can very well be described as an economic hub of Nigeria.

“Of course, you are aware that we have the NPA, the Wharf and others located in Onne, which is also in Eleme LGA. As you would have seen, the tanker fire accident site is a gory one.

“So, as a commission and a very responsible commission for that matter, we thought that we should identify with those who are affected. We need to send our condolences and our sympathies to the families of the victims and also to say to them that as a responsible commission, we are willing to extend some forms of palliatives, as well as money and items, so as to cushion the effect of their bargained substantial losses.

“It is something that was not bargained actually and again, people became circumstantial victims. What else can we possibly do but to sympathize with them and identify with them,” he stated.

The NDDC representative, however, to commended President Bola Tinubu and the Minister of Works, Mr Dave Umahi, for the quality and standard of the job that is being done on the East-West road.