“No Amount of Money Will Bring Back The Dead” – Obiano

EMEKA OZUMBA

The Executive Governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano, has said that no amount of money will bring back the dead, especially those affected by the recent fuel tanker fire at Onitsha, but assured that Anambra State Government will do its best to ameliorate the situation.

The Governor made the statement during the memorial Mass for Mrs. Ifeoma Obi and her son who were victims of the Ochanja fire incident at St Joseph Catholic Church, Awka-Etiti, Idemili South Local Government Area.

Governor Obiano revealed that following the16th October 2019 fire incident, six persons including the woman and her child lost their lives while ten persons were hospitalized. He said that the Committee headed by Deputy Governor, Dr. Nkem Okeke reported that a total of 176 businesses/shops were affected, fourteen houses were burnt out of which three were adjudged unsafe and will be brought down to ensure safety of lives. He assured that all those affected will be compensated with over N100million earmarked for them.

The Governor observed that the spate of fuel-laden tanker fall during the period was mind boggling with eight recorded in various parts of the state. Of the number, five tanker heads and their drivers could not be traced. The Governor called on ndi Anambra and residents of the state to be cautious because fire outbreak does not give advance notice. He advised all to always keep fire extinguishers within reach.

Earlier in his homily, the Auxiliary Bishop of Onitsha Catholic Diocese, Most Reverend Dennis Isizo reminded Christians that they are on a journey of faith to heaven and that life on earth is temporal.

The Auxilliary Bishop called on the Governor to ensure that approvals for siting of fuel stations fulfill all conditions of the law. He advised that markets should have space for Fire officers and Fire Service stations, while individual shops should have fire extinguishers.