…Awaits C’ttee Report On Igwuruta Fire

Rivers State House of Assembly on Monday, directed its Standing Committee on Judiciary to investigate the tanker fire incident at Igwuruta in Ikwerre Local Government Area, that resulted in loss of lives and property worth millions of naira.

The Deputy Speaker, Hon. Leyii Kwanee who presided over proceedings gave the committee two weeks to report its findings to the House to guide the Assembly in taking the next step.

Hon. Kwanee urged the judiciary committee to look at all the aspects of the matter and advised the presenter of the petition to also bring a formal motion on the incident if  necessary, assuring that the House would deliberate on the issue.

The resolution followed a petition to the Assembly by one Mr Chizi Ogbugbada, a native of Igwuruta and presented to the House by the member representing Ikwerre constituency, Hon. Azubuike Wanjoku.

Mr. Ogbugbada condemned the recklessness of the tanker driver and called on the state government to provide relief materials to the victims of the incident to cushion their hardship.

According to him, the Commissioner for Special Duties should ascertain the actual number of deaths while the government should ensure the provision of fire fighting equipment in every local government area of the state.

He, however, condemned the attitude of some youths from the area for attacking fire fighters and their vehicles on the excuse that they arrived late to the scene of the incident.

In his contribution, the Leader of the House, Hon. Chidi Lloyd, suggested that a formal motion be moved to allow members debate on the content of the petition which raised serious issues of public interest.