Princewill Political Associates (PPA) Leader and PDP stalwart in Rivers State, Prince Tonye Princewill has commiserated with the Executive Governor of Rivers State, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi and the people of the State on the sad and very unfortunate death of many Rivers people that were roasted alive while attempting to scoop fuel from a fallen tanker containing Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) commonly called fuel on the 12th of July, 2012.
According to Princewill, “I received the sad news with utmost shock, disbelief, despondency, and more importantly very embarrassing that poverty could prompt our people to scoop fuel from a fallen petroleum tanker knowing the inherent and catastrophic dangers associated with such practice”. A similar incident that happened in Jesse, Delta State some years ago that consumed the lives of over 200 people is still fresh in our memories and could have at least reminded our people that “free food dey run belle”. He however prayed God almighty to grant the Governor and the good people of Rivers State the grace and fortitude to bear this irreparable loss that has indeed affected every Rivers State resident.
He enjoined the Government to be more alive to their responsibilities and ameliorate the sufferings of the people. Princewill opined, if not for poverty and hardship currently pervading the length and breadth of Nigeria, no sane people would choose to scoop fuel from a fallen fuel tanker knowing the dire consequences of such venture.
Princewill commended the State government emergency team led by the Governor who personally supervised the evacuation of the charred bodies from the site of the inferno as well as providing ambulance to convey the severely burnt persons to the hospital for prompt medical attention, Commissioners of Local Government Affairs, Special Duty, other Security Agencies, Fire Service, Voluntary organizations who assisted in bringing the raging fire under control.
He expressed displeasure about the deplorable state of the Ease-West Road which contributed to the accident and wondered why Niger Delta that produces the oil that is today the mainstay of our economy cannot boast of one single good road. “I appeal to the Federal Government to cushion the suffering of our people by seriously attending to the menace the East-West road has become by completing it as it has become a national embarrassment.
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