House of Reps donates N18m to victims of Enugu tanker explosion... As Mba extols the speaker Abbas for compassionate leadership style

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By Iheanyi Chukwudi

The House of Representatives, has presented a cheque for N18 million to the Enugu State Government as support to the victims of the January 25 petrol tanker explosion which claimed several lives at Ugwu Onyeama on the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway.

Presenting the cheque to Governor Peter Mbah at the Government House Enugu State on Tuesday, Speaker of the Federal House, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, described the incident as a huge loss, not only to the Government and people of Enugu State, but also the nation as a whole.

Abbas, who was represented by the Hon. Nnolim Nnaji-led Enugu State Caucus in the Green Chamber, noted that the support was in keeping with the tradition of the House of Representatives to ensure that governments and people of Nigeria do not stand alone in the face of such challenges.

The Caucus also had Hon. Matins Oke, Hon. Dennis Agbo, Hon. Mark Obetta, Hon. Anayo Onwuegbu, and Hon. Chimaobi Atu on its delegation.

The Speaker, commended Mbah for his sterling leadership of the state and the prompt effort to comfort the families who lost their loved ones and support the injured.

He said, “On behalf of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, we commiserate with the Government and people of Enugu state over the tanker incident at Ugwu Onyeama. We acknowledge that you have done a lot to support both the injured and those who lost their loved ones.

So, this is a cheque for N18 million to assist the state to further ameliorate their losses and challenges occasioned by the incident. The Speaker sends his heartfelt condolences, once again. And you can continue to count on the support of the Speaker and the House."

Responding, Governor Mbah thanked the Speaker and the Enugu State Caucus of the House of Representatives for the show of concern, assuring that the donation would go straight to the purpose for which it was made.

He said, “On behalf of the Government and people of Enugu State, I express profound gratitude and deep appreciation for this wonderful gesture. I recall that when the Ugwu Onyeama incident occurred, taking the lives of several of our loved ones, the Speaker called and assured that he was with us in prayers.

Today, he has also shown us that he is not only with us in prayers, but also materially. He has equally come to mourn with us. This cheque for N18 million will go a long way in cushioning the effect of the incident on those affected and their families.

Rest assured that as a government, we will ensure that this gets to them in a transparent, accountable, and just manner."