Gas Explosion: Lagos Lawmakers Demand Better Enforcement Of Safety Law

Following a recent gas explosion in the Ajeromi/Ifelodun area of Lagos that resulted in fatalities, the state House of Assembly has called on concerned ministries, departments and agencies of government to step up enforcement of safety laws to protect lives and property.

The House, at plenary presided over by Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa on Monday, tasked two ministries – Physical Planning and Urban Development as well as Special Duties – to up their responsibilities to ensure that lives are protected against sales of combustible substances in residential areas.

The House frowned against the proliferation of gas shops across the state and asked the Lagos State Safety Agency not to compromise on enforcement of laws regulating the activities of such outlets, a statement by Eromosele Ebhomele, Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker, said.

A recent gas explosion had led to the death of 15 residents with at least 35 others sustaining injuries according to their representative at the Lagos Assembly, Hon. Sabur Oluwa (Ajeromi Ifelodun 2).

The House urged the government to support the victims in the form of relief materials.

Before the lawmakers observed a minute silence for the victims of the explosion, Speaker Obasa sympathised with the affected constituents and emphasised the need to address the issue.

He acknowledged that gas regulation falls under the ‘exclusive list’, but urged the state to find a way around it to prevent further tragedies.

“Having gas shops and outlets within the community without proper regulations must be looked into. It calls for concern and we must look for a way out,” Dr. Obasa said as he directed the Clerk, Barr. Olalekan Onafeko, to communicate the resolution of the House to the appropriate authorities.

Meanwhile, the Assembly has commended the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) and the Gbagada General Hospital for their swift handling of emergency cases brought to the facilities.

Hon. Desmond Elliot (Surulere 1) said he witnessed how medical personnel at the two hospitals battled to save the lives of fire accident victims recently.

“Our health sector should be commended,” he said while acknowledging the collaboration between arms of government resulting in elevated healthcare standards in the state.

“The commitment and dedication I witnessed in the handling of fire victims at LASUTH and the Gbagada General Hospital are encouraging, reflecting a system where all hands were indeed on deck.

“When I got to the wards, I met over nine doctors and nurses attending to the victims at the LASUTH. I saw the same thing at the Gbagada General hospital,” he said.

Speaker Obasa, who emphasised the role of the legislative body in recognising and supporting such commendable endeavours, added: “This is exactly what the House is expected to do at all times.

“We will always commend the MDAs for a job well-done, and anywhere they falter, we will always point such out.”

He, thereafter, directed the Clerk to forward letters of commendation to the management of LASUTH, Gbagada General Hospital and the Commissioner of Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi.

Eromosele Ebhomele
Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly.

Governor Fubara Cries Out

Rivers State governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has alleged that there are fresh plans to cripple his government.

Fubara disclosed this during a meeting with members of the House of Representatives Committee on Public Petitions at the government house, Port-Harcourt.

The governor noted that leadership and respect is not earned by force.

He maintained it is the character and style of a leader that will encourage and engender the love and respect of the majority of the people.

Fubara noted that governance is solely about the interest of the people and leaving behind, good legacies; warning that power, no matter how long it is wielded will sure come to an end one day.

The federal lawmakers who were in the state to carry out an assignment thought it wise to visit the Governor and give him a few words of encouragement before they leave town.

Governor Fubara told them that as far as he was concerned there is no political crisis in the state.

Fibara declared that he will never buckle under any pressure especially the deliberate attempts being made to cripple his government.

Leadership, according to him, is about the touching the lives of the people positively.

“He added that the love and respect of the people can never be earned by force or intimidation.

Governor Fubara maintained that he would continue to empower the people and focus on building good legacies in the state.

Governor Fubara also used the opportunity to call on the National Assembly to defend what is right and speak out when things go wrong.

Billionaire, Arthur Eze Advocates For Tinubu

Billionaire, Arthur Eze, has urged Nigerians to support President Bola Tinubu while praising his inclusive approach to governance.

He made the remarks in a video widely shared on social media, which showed him donating N20m to a church.

Eze said, “Tinubu has no boundary. If you go to Abuja, you will see Wike, an Igbo man as a minister. Umahi is Igbo man, as minister. No boundaries. All the types of people we want.

“So this Nigeria, after eight years, it will change. It has started changing. Now, I beg everybody to support him before we die.”

This is not the first time the billionaire has praised the Tinubu administration.

In October 2023, speaking at the Holy Mass to mark the 65th birthday of Rev Fr Patrick Alumuku at St Louis Catholic Church, EFAB Global Estate, Mbora, Abuja, Eze said the appointments of ministers and heads of agencies by Tinubu was fair.

“The President has been fair in his appointments to the three major regions; the East, West, and North. Nigerians should support the President as he continues his transformational agenda,” Eze said.