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*PTD Mourns Enugu Tanker Explosion Victims, Pleads For Rehabilitation Of Bad Roads, Stakeholders Engagement*
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By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
The Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) Branch of Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has expressed sadness over the tragic tanker explosion at the Ugwu-Onyeama axis of the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway that claimed lives.
It would be recalled that the incident happened Saturday morning, January 25, 2025 around 11:30 a.m. when a fuel-laden tanker overturned while navigating the hilly, deplorable and busy expressway.
The PTD National Chairman, Comrade Lucky Osesua made this reaction on Monday, January 27, 2025 at the exit door of the Federal High Court FCT, Abuja when accosted by some journalists.
Osesua, who initially did not want to talk but was persuaded by the newmen eventually spoke very briefly, but later pleaded for understanding that he needed to attend another meeting at the city centre.
The PTD Chair was in company of his lawyers and other National excos including Comrade Dayyabu Garga, Comrade (Chief) Peter Muodebelu, fondly called ONWA, Comrade (Dr) Humble Obinna Power, Comrade Olabisi Akinlolu etc.
Osesua noted that the horrible incident was unfortunate and very heartbreaking, while also appealing to both State and Federal Governments to intensify efforts to fix all bad portions of the roads across the country to avoid recurrence of accidents which can claim lives and render citizens incapacitated.
The Union leader also used the opportunity to express his heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims and the government of Enugu State including the governor, His Excellency Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, adding that the incident was a reminder of the need to enhance safety measures to prevent such tragedies in the future.
“When I received the news on Saturday, I quickly called all my executives to put all necessary machinery in motion to mitigate the collateral damage the incident could have on the community and other road users, and I must commend Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah for visiting the accident scene and promising support for the victims. This is highly commendable. The Enugu State Fire and Rescue Service operatives were also very professional, patriotic and committed in helping to put out the inferno in the nick of time.
“Meanwhile, I am also using this opportunity to beg the State Governments and the Federal Government, especially the Federal Ministry of Works to intensify their efforts in fixing all bad portions of our roads across the country, this will truly help to ensure safety of lives and properties.
“On our part as critical stakeholders we would ensure that maximum safety standards are not compromised and that is what we have always been doing and known for, we won’t relent in doing this. It will also not be out of place for our government and other relevant authorities to implement additional safety measures and I must emphasize again on rehabilitation of our roads, including safety of tanker drivers who are often attacked by criminals whilst discharging their legitimate duties. PTD and their mother Union NUPENG will continue to work tirelessly with every agency saddled with the responsibility of enhancing safety, security and enforcement of law on the road for our overall good.”
The PTD leader further prayed that the good Lord would grant the souls of the departed eternal rest in His kingdom.
… FCT Minister challenges ex-Rivers governor over stalled projects, 24-year public record
… Questions N10bn anti-malaria fumigation spending, electoral claims
… Says political leadership should empower, not pull others down
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has fired back at former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, challenging him to account for major projects and expenditures incurred during his administration.
Wike made the statements on Saturday, during a visit to the Uzugbani Ekpeye National Executive Council at Ekpeye House in Ahoada, Ahoada East Local Government Area of Rivers State.
Wike, who spoke on Saturday during an interactive meeting with the Uzugbani Ekpeye National Executive Council as well as leaders and stakeholders of Ahoada East and West Local Governments, Rivers State at the Ekpeye House in Ahoada, was reacting to Amaechi’s appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Friday evening.
Amaechi, a former governor and Minister of Transportation, had criticised the Federal Government over its record of project delivery and challenged the administration to name major projects it had completed.
But Wike turned the spotlight on his predecessor’s record in Rivers, questioning what became of several projects initiated under Amaechi.
He specifically raised questions over the $39 million reportedly paid for the Justice Adolphus Karibi-Whyte Specialist Hospital, the N68 billion monorail project and about N10 billion allegedly spent on an anti-malaria fumigation programme.
Wike asked what became of the money committed to the hospital project after the facility was not completed.
The controversy over the hospital dates back to the Amaechi administration.
A Rivers State judicial commission set up under Wike had investigated the payment of $39.2 million to a contractor for the project and its failure to materialise.
Wike also questioned the fate of the monorail project, which was among the major infrastructure schemes initiated by the Amaechi administration, as well as the expenditure on the fumigation programme.
He went further to criticize a $10 million malaria control project that was executed with Cuba to eradicate mosquitoes in the state, dismissing the initiative as a scam.
“Ask him about the fumigation of Rivers State with people from Cuba in which $10 million was spent. Ask him whether mosquitoes have stopped biting us in Rivers State,” he said.
The FCT Minister said such issues should be considered when assessing the records of political leaders seeking higher office.
Wike also challenged Amaechi’s record after spending eight years each as Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, governor and Minister of Transportation.
“Someone was Speaker of the House of Assembly for eight years, Governor for eight years, and Minister for eight years, that is 24 years in top leadership positions. What can anybody point to that he attracted to Ekpeye Land in all those 24 years? Nothing! Not one single thing!” he said.
The minister urged the people of Ahoada East and West Local Governments to demand evidence of projects and political empowerment allegedly attracted to the area during Amaechi’s years in public office.
Wike said leadership should not be measured only by the offices occupied but by the people empowered, projects delivered and structures left behind.
He contrasted this with what he described as his own efforts to empower people and develop political successors, saying leaders should not deliberately prevent others from rising.
Wike also criticised what he described as the use of personal and family tragedies for political purposes.
He said political disagreements should not descend into the exploitation of private grief, particularly matters surrounding the death of family members.
The minister warned against a political culture in which personal tragedies are deployed to gain sympathy or attack opponents.
Wike further challenged claims about Amaechi’s political influence in Rivers State, asking supporters to examine his electoral record.
“Since I left him in 2011, after 2011, mention one election that he has ever won in Rivers State,” he said.
The minister also recalled their political relationship and past disagreements, including controversies surrounding appointments and business interests involving federal maritime agencies.
He contrasted what he described as Amaechi’s approach with the Tinubu administration’s establishment of regional development structures and appointments involving people from the South-South.
His latest comments deepen the long-running political feud between the two former Rivers leaders, who once worked together before becoming major political rivals.
News
Wike opens can of worms, queries Amaechi over what happened to $39m Justice Karibi-Whyte hospital, others (Video)
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory FCT Nyesom Wike has queried, Rotimi Amaechi over what happened to $39million Justice Karibi-Whyte hospital, N68billion Monorail, N10billion anti-malaria fumigation projects.
The minister made this disclosure during his visit to Ekpeye Kingdom Ekpeye House, in Ahoada, Ahoada East Local Government of Rivers State on Saturday.
Watch:
News
Grand reception for FCT minister Wike at Ekpeye Kingdom on a visit to Uzugbani NEC, in Ahoada LGA today (VIDEO)
A video showing the grand reception for FCT minister Nyesom Wike as he arrives at Ekpeye Kingdom for a visit to the Uzugbani Ekpeye National Executive Council, Ekpeye House, in Ahoada, Ahoada East Local Government of Rivers State today.
Watch:
Wike tackles Amaechi: Account for $39m Hospital, N68bn Monorail, N10bn anti-malaria fumigation
Wike opens can of worms, queries Amaechi over what happened to $39m Justice Karibi-Whyte hospital, others (Video)
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