The Member representing Ika South Constituency in the Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Festus Okoh, has appealed to the Delta State Government to urgently intervene and provide assistance to victims of the recent tanker explosion in Agbor, which claimed lives and destroyed properties worth millions of naira.
Hon. Okoh made the appeal on Tuesday during plenary of the House, where he drew the attention of the House to the devastating incident which occurred on Sunday, leaving affected residents and business owners counting their losses.
The lawmaker, who is the Deputy Leader of the House, acknowledged that the state government was already aware of the incident but stressed the need for prompt intervention to cushion the effects of the tragedy, particularly for victims who lost their goods, businesses and means of livelihood.
Speaking with journalists after plenary, Hon. Okoh described the incident as devastating, disclosing that he had visited the scene to sympathise with the victims and families of those who lost their lives.
According to him, “I sympathise with the people, and I condole with the families of those who lost their loved ones. I understand that two persons lost their lives. I went to the scene, sympathised with the victims and promised them that I would bring the incident to the attention of the government”.
The lawmaker explained that although the government was aware of the tragedy, he considered it his responsibility as the representative of the affected people to formally raise the matter before the House and seek immediate assistance for his constituents.
“Not that the government is not aware of it, but as the member representing the people, I felt it was important to bring it up in the House, which I have done today,” the lawmaker stated.
Hon. Okoh said he would appeal to the Speaker and reach out to the Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, to ensure that relevant government departments and agencies explored possible ways of supporting the victims.
He noted that the intervention would help the affected persons recover from the devastating losses, rebuild their lives and regain their means of livelihood, especially as the Christmas season approaches.
Okoh lamented that the sudden loss of property and investments could leave victims emotionally distressed and financially vulnerable, stressing that timely government assistance would provide hope and encouragement.
“Imagine losing everything you have in one day, without any prior plan for such an incident. How do you start life again? It is very devastating,” he said.
The lawmaker further disclosed that he would explore additional avenues of assistance through the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
“I am also going to call my brother in the NDDC to see if there is any way they can assist and accommodate the victims, so that we can help them get back on their feet,” he added.
Hon. Okoh appealed to the state government and other relevant institutions to act swiftly, noting that timely support would not only ease the financial burden on the victims but also help them overcome the trauma associated with the loss of loved ones, property and livelihoods.
