The gubernatorial candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the September 21st elections, Distinguished Senator Monday Okpebholo, has commiserated with the victims of the fire incident near Eki Osa market in Benin City.
Senator Okpebholo said, “This devastating news is most unfortunate for the economy of Edo State, especially coming after the major Eki Osa market fire, for which the state government is yet to fulfill its promise to the victims, nor has the government been able to rebuild the market”.
The APC candidate lamented that the numerous infernos in Edo State have undoubtedly resulted in devastating losses, with tales of pain, anguish, and hopelessness at a time when the economy was experiencing a downturn under Governor Godwin Obaseki’s misrule.
He said Governor Obaseki administration’s failure to equip the fire service department contributed to the huge loss recorded by victims of these incessant fire incidents, adding that “it was embarrassing that the state government would have to wait for such a monumental disaster without considering how to revamp the fire service, apart from the one donated to it”.
A statement by the Media and Publicity Directorate said it was a sign of the insensitivity of the Obaseki administration to the welfare of the people, which is an indication that this administration is already set for the hall of shame in the history of Edo State.
“We share in the pains of the victims of these unfortunate incidents. We also commiserate with them at these trying times, just as we call on the governor to immediately fulfill his promise to the victims of Eki Osa market and also support the victims of this recent incident.
Okpebholo said, “I am deeply touched and concerned about these incessant fire crises in the state. When elected, we will work together to manage and bring the situation under control, work to identify the cause, and put preventive measures in place to avoid future occurrences. Most importantly, we thank the Almighty God that no lives were lost in the incident,” he said.