Group threatens legal action against FG, firm
President Bola Tinubu has directed the federal agencies to liaise with the Rivers State government to provide immediate support to all victims of the fire incident caused by an articulated vehicle conveying petroleum product at the Eleme section of the East-West Road in Port Harcourt.
Extending his condolences in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, yesterday, Tinubu commiserated with the government and people of Rivers State over the tragic incident, which resulted in the loss of life and property.
While praying for the speedy recovery of those injured in the tragic incident, the President commended the first responders in the state for their bravery and dedication in assisting those affected by the accident. He urged that stricter safety regulations for the transportation of petroleum products be implemented to prevent such tragedies in the future.
Recall that over 70 cars were burnt, and scores of lives were lost in a late Friday evening fire outbreak along East-West Road, Port Harcourt, allegedly caused by a petroleum tanker that fell and spilt its content on the road. Many victims were also burnt beyond recognition.
MEANWHILE, the Ogoni Youth Federation (OYF) has threatened to drag the Federal Government and Reynold Construction Company (RCC) to the International Criminal Court for their alleged negligence over the tanker accident. Life and property worth billions of naira were lost in the fire. RCC is the company handling the ongoing reconstruction of the Akpajo-Onne section of the East-West Road.
The youth body said that it was unacceptable that RCC failed to create alternative detours before commencing construction despite being fully aware of the heavy traffic flow along that particular section of the road.
OYF, in a statement in Port Harcourt on Saturday by its President-General, Dr Legborsi Yamaabana, demanded RCC and the Federal Government to take immediate responsibility for their negligence and provide full compensation to families of victims.
