Former Vice President of Nigeria and All Progressives Congress (APC)
chieftain, Atiku Abubakar, has reacted to the recent incidents in
Lagos, in which lives were lost when a container fell off a trailer
and onto some cars, as well that in which fire razed some stores in
Balogun market.
In a statement released by his media office in Abuja on Saturday, 5
September 2015, Atiku described the loss of lives in these two
incidents as unfortunate and preventable, adding that the relevant
government agencies needed to be more conscious of their
responsibilities in protecting Nigerians.
“Every day, the lives of Nigerians are lost to avoidable road carnage
because some road users flagrantly violate the laws.”
The Turaki Adamawa challenged the relevant government agencies to be
alive to their responsibilities, and to prosecute offenders severely
to ensure that others are deterred from taking actions that lead to
needless loss of life.
“The relevant agencies have failed to hold violators of the laws of
our land accountable to their actions,” he said. “That is why these
things keep happening again and again.”
Atiku consoled with the families of those who lost loved ones in the
unfortunate incidents and prayed that God would give them the
fortitude to bear their loss.
“Hopefully, these incidents will lead to improved laws and better
supervision,” he said, “and your loved ones will not have died in
vain.”
Meanwhile, Atiku Abubakar said there is need for stricter enforcement
of safety regulations in the country to avert fire incidents and other
disasters at public places.
The former Vice President made the assertion while condoling with the
victims of the Balogun market fire disaster in Lagos.
The former Vice President regretted the apathy that characterizes
government and public attitude to safety standards.