The Speaker Of Imo State House Of Assembly, Rt Honourable Barrister Kennedy Chidozie Ibeh has conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the good people of Ohaji/Egbema State Constituency, over the unfortunate but avoidable death of over 100 indigenes of the local government, who lost their lives in the recent fire outbreak.
In a condolence Message to the Traditional Rulers, Political/Religious Leaders and People of Ohaji/Egbema local government area, through the Honourable Member representing the Constituency at the Imo State House Of Assembly, Hon Heclus Okoro, Rt Honourable Kennedy Ibeh deeply expressed his shock, sadness and sorrow on the unfortunate but avoidable incident which claimed hundreds of Lives, and massive destruction of properties, with several other people severely sustaining various degrees of injuries, in the fire outbreak which came about as a result of alleged Illegal Oil and Gas activities in the Constituency's forest. Rt Honourable Ibeh also consoled His Excellency Governor Hope Uzodinma, pointing out that as Governor Of the State, Ohaji/Egbema locality is part of Imo, and as such, the governor is in mourning mood, and deserves to be consoled over the unfortunate incident.
Imo Speaker prayed for the repose of souls of the dead, while consoling the bereaved families to bear the loss with fortitude.
Nevertheless, the Rt Honourable Speaker cautioned against getting involved with illegal businesses including but not limited to oil and gas bunkering and the highly risky illegal refining of Petroleum products, pointing out that just as every proceed of crime, the gains are transient, with a bitter taste eventually, the pains usually far outweighing the gains.
According to Rt Honourable Kennedy Ibeh, " the State Assembly shall take a detailed analysis of this ugly occurrence and thereafter parley the Executive Governor on the possibility of enthroning a legislation that will protect our people and our environment in the related area" Imo Speaker concluded.