Edo: ADC sympathies with families of Oluku fire victims

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Edo state has said it received with dismay the pathetic news of Edo citizens burning to death and many more sustaining various degrees of burnt, when an a petrol tanker in Oluku exploded into flames.

A statement by the State Publicity Secretary, Chris Ojeikere, did not only blame the victims, it also called out a government which he said ‘failed to show leadership’ and control of a situation where human lives and property were so wantonly wasted. 

The statement further read, “With heavy hearts, we commiserate with the family of the deceased and ask God to grant them the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.We in ADC feel your pains deeply and will stand by you.

“We are more pained, when we realise that the fatalities could have been avoided, if we have a government that believes its institutions should work, rather than just be decorative monuments that helps pretend there is a government. 

“We reliably gathered that the fuel tanker had been there for two days before the explosion. In fact, ITV Benin radio commentary was simultaneously on air, still calling on the government of Edo state and relevant authorities to expedite action by removing the fallen tanked, when the explosion rocked Oluku market; killing  many Edo citizens and destroying property worth millions.

“Putting politics aside, the ADC hereby advises Governor Monday Okpebholo to prioritise the safety of lives of Edo citizens and seek for the minimum degree of proactiveness from its institutions; especially those charged with the responsibility of safeguarding human lives.

“While we understand his zeal to manufacture an audio 2.5m votes for President Tinubu, he should not forget that those consumed by the Oluku fire are supposed to be part of his imaginary votes. If Edo voters all die from negligence and recklessness as happened in Oluku, where are the votes going to come from? 

“We do not agree that it is enough for others to just blame the helpless, hungry and abandoned Edo youth who risked their lives fetching fuel pouring from the tanker. 

“We blame them also. But we must equally call out a government who failed to show leadership and control of a situation where human lives and property were so wantonly wasted. There is no excuse for lack of responsibility,” the statement said.