The Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D, on Thursday, led a delegation from the House to sympathise with the people and government of Jigawa State over last week’s petrol tanker explosion, which led to the death of over 170 persons.
This is even as members of the House from the North-West zone, as well as others from other zones, donated the sum of N100 million to the families of the victims.
The incident took place at Majiya town in Taura Local Government Area of the state on Tuesday, October 15.
The House delegation, which was at the Government House in Dutse, the state’s capital, sympathised with Governor Malam Umar Namadi over the unfortunate incident.
The Speaker said: “It is indeed with deep sense of loss, sadness that members of the House of Representatives are here to commiserate and condole the good people of Jigawa State over the unfortunate incident the happened a few days ago.
“We received the news with great shock and dismay but with that total submission to the Almighty Allah. Whatever happens to a man, we believe is predestined. All we can do as faithful is to pray for the repose of those who passed away.
“Your Excellency, I will like you to know that the House is with you at this period of loss and sorrow; the House is with you in looking for ways and means of preventing future occurrence in Jigawa State and Nigeria as a whole. The House is with you in looking for solutions to other major issues bedeviling our region in particular. We are with you in finding succour to those who are affected by this tragedy.”
The Speaker then announced the donation of the sum of N100 million from the members of the North-West caucus and other zones to the victims of the tanker explosion.
“The House, in its own little way, has decided to give a symbolic contribution to show our sympathy and empathy to the great people of this state, particularly the victims of this unfortunate incident.
“The House has mandated me and other members here present to announce a donation of N100 million towards the treatment of those who are in the hospital and to give additional support to the families of those who lost their lives.”
Speaker Abbas extended the condolences of the House at this moment of grief, praying for the repose of the souls of those who lost their lives and quick recovery for individuals who sustained injuries.
“May the Almighty God grant those who died eternal peace and Jannatul Firdaus. May those who recorded various degrees of injuries recover in record time.
“Your Excellency, please accept the profound condolences and consideration of the House on this tragic incident. May God continue to protect us, bless our governor, bless our state, and bring lasting peace in our lives.”
Part of the delegation were the Deputy House Leader, Hon. Abdullahi Ibrahim Halims; Leader of the Northern Caucus, Hon. Alhassan Ado Doguwa; Leader of the North West Caucus, Hon. Sada Soli; chairman, House Committee on Appropriations, Hon. Abubakar Kabir Bichi; ex-Deputy Speaker and chairman, Committee on Federal Character, Hon. Ahmed Idris Wase; Hon. Nazif Sani; Hon. Kwamoti Bitrus Laori, and Hon. Abdullahi Aliyu Ahmed.
Governor Namadi, in his response, expressed profound appreciation to the Speaker and the House for visit and “this show of generosity and brotherhood.” He assured that the donation would get to the affected victims.
“On behalf of the people and government of Jigawa State, I want to thank you and the members of the House of Representatives. Despite your busy schedule, you created time to come and condole with us at this moment. This has shown the sign of commitment to the nation.
“With this singular act, the House of Representatives has demonstrated to the Nigerian people that it is the true representatives of the people, and you are with the people at the times of need. We are sincerely grateful.
“You did not only lead this delegation. You also donated the sum of 100 million for the victims. This is more than a call of duty. We thank you very much for this generosity and show of brotherhood.
“I want to assure you that this money will go to the intended people in Sha Allah. This incident is really devastating to us as a people. But with people like you, we feel strengthened; we feel there is hope, and we feel Nigerians are with us in the time of need.
“As a nation, this shows we are concerned with the problem of one another. May Allah continue to be with you and strengthen you in your service to this nation. We are sincerely grateful.”