PDP Governors, Atiku Commiserate With Rivers, Ogun Over Tanker Explosions

The Peoples Democratic Party Governors’ Forum (PDP-GF), and former vice president, Atiku Abubakar have commiserated with the victims of the twin tanker explosion in both Rivers and Ogun States.

In its statement, the PDP governors, described as regrettable, the loss of lives and properties resulting from the carnage on April 27, 2024, that engulfed several ill-fated commuters on the East West Road along the Indorama-Petrochemical-Aleto axis.

The Forum, whose chairman is the Rivers State governor, Siminalayi Fubara, said it is saddened by the painful loss which has impacted not only the Rivers State but the entire country.

The statement signed by the forum’s director general, Dr. Emmanuel Agbo, said “We express our call for quick intervention on the reconstruction of this road by the Federal Government to prevent a reoccurrence of the gory sights witnessed there at Eleme, or elsewhere in the country.

“The Forum hopefully envisages a Federal Government policy review to reduce bureaucracy by approving quick interventions by host State governments where needed on similar impassable FG roads which in reality stagnate progress and threaten the safety of lives and properties of its citizens.”

On his part, Atiku, while commiserating with the victims of the twin tanker explosion in both Rivers and Ogun States, advocated for mechanisms to be put in place for the transitioning to a much safer mode of transporting petroleum products especially in urban centres.

The incident in Rivers State, according to reports, happened on Friday, leaving many fatalities and destruction in its trail.

Similarly, on Friday in Ogun State, a gas tanker explosion was said to have left 4 persons dead and several properties razed.

Atiku shared his condolence to the families of the bereaved through a press statement signed by his Media Adviser, Paul Ibe, on Monday.

According to Atiku, “it hurts to say that I feel the anguish of those who have lost loved ones in these twin disasters.

“For those who lost their lives in these incidents, it is my prayer that their souls shall meet the promise of God’s mercies.

“For the bereaved that they left behind, I also pray that the Almighty shall ease the pains in your hearts and grant everyone the fortitude to bear the unfortunate loss.

“It is also my prayer, that everyone who has lost valuable belongings and property to the disaster, the Almighty shall enlarge His provisions to you and please you with something better than what was lost,” Atiku said.

He similarly expressed his heartfelt condolences to both Governor Similayi Fubara and Dapo Abiodun of Rivers and Ogun, respectively, and urged them to ensure that the government carries out thorough investigations into the incidents.