Reno Omokri, a former aide to Ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, says that Igbos should blame themselves for the tanker accident that occurred in Onitsha, Anambra State.
KanyiDaily reported that a fuel tanker laden with substance premium motor spirit (pms) had fallen into a ditch and spilled its contents, resulting in an explosion at MCC bus stop near Toronto Hospital, Upper-Iweka, Onitsha.
An eye witness told NAN that no fewer than five persons including a mother and her child, have died so far in the incident as the fire razed structures, including shops on Upper Iweka road and at Ochanja market.
Reacting, Omokri who is a staunch critic of President Muhammadu Buhari’s adminstration said ‘Ndi’Igbo’ should be blamed for the accident, not Buhari.
He expressed disappointment as to why a fire station isn’t situated in Onitsha Market which is considered the largest in west Africa. He also opined following the popular belief that the Igbos are being marginalized by Buhari, that some marginalizations are self-inflicted.
1-Ndi'Igbo are marginalised under General @MBuhari. But some of their marginalisation is self inflicted. How can Onitsha Market, reputedly the largest in West Africa, not have a full fledged fire station? That is not Buhari's fault. That is Ndi'Igbo's FAILURE!#OnitshaMarketFire
— Reno Omokri (@renoomokri) October 17, 2019
2-Ndi'Igbo, like Jews, are a marginalised people. But not all their suffering can be blamed on marginalisation. Some comes from failure of leadership. The #OnitshaMarketFire is a perfect example. Every trader there ought to have INSURANCE. That they DONT is not @MBuhari's fault
— Reno Omokri (@renoomokri) October 17, 2019
3-The #OnitshaMarketFire takes my mind to Nnewi. Nnewi doesn’t depend on government. They build their own road, school, and yes, fire station. Obiano/Buhari have their share of blame. But what about Onitsha Market Traders Association who collect levy? Cant they learn from Nnewi?
— Reno Omokri (@renoomokri) October 17, 2019
Reno went on to sympathize with those who lost their lives and properties and called on the government of Anambra state to take responsibility by compensating those affected and building a standard fire station in the market.
4-My sympathies to all who lost life and property in the #OnitshaMarketFire. But my priority is to ensure this does not reoccur. We must ask how this could have happened and how we can ensure it does not happen again. Or it will reoccur. Accidents don't happen. They are CAUSED
— Reno Omokri (@renoomokri) October 17, 2019
5-Finally, I call on Anambra state government to take responsibility for its failure, not by Governor Obiano visiting the venue of the #OnitshaMarketFire, but by first, PAYING COMPENSATION to all those affected, and secondly, by ensuring all markets have a functional fire station
— Reno Omokri (@renoomokri) October 17, 2019
Reno also pleaded with President Buhari to compensate the traders who lost their livelihood, saying it will go a long way and show he cares for those from the South East and South-South region.
Dear General @MBuhari,
The #OnitshaMarketFire is an opportunity for you to show love to Ndi’Igbo. I appeal to you to compensate the traders who lost their livelihood. This will go a long way and will show us that you indeed love those of us from the SE and SS. God bless you sir!
— Reno Omokri (@renoomokri) October 17, 2019
Dear General @MBuhari,
I give you my word that if you compensate those affected by The #OnitshaMarketFire I will stop opposing you and will change my views about you. Not only that, I will destroy this #BuhariTormentor cap and wear a #BuhariSupporter cap.
I beg on my knees! pic.twitter.com/ovdV6ud1pn
— Reno Omokri (@renoomokri) October 17, 2019
Meanwhile, the Governor of Anambra State, Willie Obiano has also sympathized with the victims, and directed all the property owners affected by the explosion, including shop owners, to report themselves.
According to him, the tanker explosion victims are to report themselves at the Conference Room of the Secretary to the State Government on Monday, October 21, 2019, to see how the Anambra State Government can assist them.
