Politics Of Onitsha Fire Tragedy

NNAMDI K. ONUORA      

 I suspected that something would follow the security empowerment the Anambra State Government performed on Friday, October 11, 2019. There was resounding ovation for Governor Willie Obiano for the creative assistance to security agencies unveiled on that day. Knowing Nigerian politics and indeed Anambra politics, I realised not all will be happy with the endorsement Obiano received. I told some friends it would not be long before Obiano’s detractors found a way to reverse that good fortune. I didn’t know it will be too soon. Yet, it is difficult to believe that of all options, political rivals will choose the unfortunate petrol tanker fire incident in Onitsha, to try to cut him to size.

It was with shock and shame that I witnessed the refusal of mobs on that black Tuesday to allow fire service trucks into the area of the fallen petrol tanker to fight the raging blaze. Heaven help us! How can any sane mind do this! Even if the fire fighters didn’t come as promptly as expected, only layabouts who had nothing to lose from the spreading fire and politically misguided youths would take such stupid stand. And because of the senseless militancy of these youths, so much was lost. And without bothering to get the full picture, political partisans have been attacking the Obiano regime.

We now hear of media donations and all sorts of assistance to the victims by some politicians. It is good to be charitable. Genuine assistance is welcome even if from politicians known to be warming up for the 2021/2022 governorship election. But emerging signs give worry that many of these could be mere gimmickry. What else can you say of the announcement that a federal legislator from Anambra State is donating three fire fighting trucks to the Federal fire service when the service is not present in the State? Why donate to Federal Fire Department Asaba instead of assisting your State? If there’s really a true intention to help, why not give the fire vehicles to the various market organisations?

Similarly, the advertised free medical treatment for the injured does not reflect the package of serious business. The injured are to go to a certain hospital for treatment. And this is without any known plan for identification and registration of victims. There is no word on the time duration of this medical service either.

This should not be a time for politicking. This should be a time to join hands with the state government to work for the well being of the victims and indeed of all Ndi Anambra. May the souls of those who lost their lives in the tragedy rest in peace!

Onuora, a retired Director in the State Civil Service lives in Onitsha.