In AbujaReps ask FG to ensure victims of Nnewi gas explosion get back on their feet

 The House of Representatives, on Tuesday, urged the Federal Government to expedite action to ensure that victims of the Dec. 24 gas explosions in Nnewi, Anambra, received needed care.

The call followed the unanimous adoption of a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Rep.Chris Azubogu (PDP-Anamba).

Azubogu said that the motion became necessary to ensure that the victims of the disaster in hospitals receive needed assistance to get back on their feet.

The lawmaker represents Nnewi North/Nnewi South and Ekwusigo federal constituencies in the green chamber.

He called for increased presence of relevant Federal Government agencies charged with the responsibility of managing disaster and emergencies in Nnewi town.

He said that several of such agencies and institutions were not located in the town in spite of the presence of several industries and factories contributing to the economic growth of the country.

Azubogu noted that the disaster was an inevitable outcome of rapid development, population growth and accelerated infrastructure development in the town.

"When the next disaster will occur and what the immediate precipitating factors will be is not known.

"What we can do is to regulate standard of behaviour to limit the likelihood of occurrence and their severity when they inevitably occur, through the deployment of resources and technology for timely and effective response,’’ he said.

The Speaker, Yakubu Dogara referred the matter to the Committee on Emergency and Disaster Preparedness for further legislative action.

The legislators observed a minute silence in honour of those who lost their lives in the incident.