By Akwashiki Abiola,
ABUJA
Minister of Labour and Employment, Sen. Chris Ngige has written to the Anambra State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano over the last week’s fire disaster in Onitsha, calling for change in preventive strategy to forestall future occurrences.
According to a statement signed by Nwachukwu Obidiwe special Adviser media said Minister Ngige who was Governor of Anambra state between 2003 to 2006 signed the letter personally.
The letter reads “On behalf of myself and the entire Umu-Ngige clan of Alor in Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State, I wish to commiserate with the Government and the good people of Anambra State on the devastating fire incident at Upper Iweka / Ochanja Market area of Onitsha last Wednesday, October 16, 2019 and another outbreak just reported this morning, Friday, October 18 along the Omogba/Bassoy axis of the Onitsha-Enugu Express Way.
“This medium cannot aptly convey how shocked and sad I am at the news of the tragic development. It is unfortunate as it is regrettable.
“That precious lives were lost and property worth hundreds of millions of Naira gutted by the inferno at a time of prevailing economic downturn is doubly tragic and deeply saddening.
“It is soothing, comforting and assuring however that the State Government has empaneled a high level Inquiry, chaired by the Deputy Governor to establish the cause of the fire , offer succor and cushion the effect of the disaster. In spite , the time calls for urgent change of strategies to prevent future occurrences and save our people from further loss and agony.
“I pray for the repose of the souls of the departed and beseech God Almighty to grant strength and resilience in a special way to other victims to enable them rise from the ashes of this colossal loss.”