Ben Ezechime, Enugu
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, has presented a cheque of N18 million to the Enugu State Government in support of the victims of the January 2025 petrol tanker explosion at Ugwu Onyeama on Enugu-Onitsha Expressway.
It would be recalled that a tanker explosion claimed about 18 lives while others sustained several degrees of injury.
Presenting the cheque to Governor Peter Mbah at the government house in Enugu, Abbas described the incident as a huge loss, not only to the government and people of Enugu State, but the nation as a whole.
He noted that the support was in keeping with the tradition of the House of Representatives to ensure that governments and people of Nigeria do not stand alone in the face of such challenges.
Abbas was represented by the Enugu State caucus in the assembly, led by Hon. Nnolim Nnaji, which included Hon. Martins Oke, Hon. Dennis Agbo, Hon. Mark Obetta, Hon. Anayo Onwuegbu, and Hon. Chimaobi Atu.
The speaker commended Mbah for his sterling leadership of the state and the prompt effort to comfort the families that lost their loved ones and support the injured.
“On behalf of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, we commiserate with the Government and people of Enugu State over the tanker incident at Ugwu Onyeama. We acknowledge that you have done a lot to support both the injured and those who lost their loved ones.
“So, this is a cheque for N18 million to assist the state to further ameliorate their losses and challenges occasioned by the incident. The Speaker sends his heartfelt condolences, once again. And you can continue to count on the support of the Speaker and the House,” Nnaji said.
Responding, Governor Mbah thanked the Speaker and the Enugu State caucus of the House of Representatives for the show of concern, assuring that the donation would go straight to the purpose for which it was made.
“On behalf of the Government and people of Enugu State, I express profound gratitude and deep appreciation for this wonderful gesture. I recall that when the Ugwu Onyeama incident occurred, taking the lives of several of our loved ones, the Speaker called and assured that he was with us in prayers.
“Today, he has also shown us that he is not only with us in prayers, but also materially. He has equally come to mourn with us. This cheque for N18 million will go a long way in cushioning the effect of the incident on those affected and their families.
“Be rest assured that as a government, we will ensure that this gets to them in a transparent, accountable, and just manner,” he stated.
