By Paul Effiong, Abuja
House of Representatives has given the Comptroller-General of the Federal Fire Service, FFS, Jaji Abdulganiyu, 24 hours to appear in person and explain events around the fire truck accident that claimed three lives and injured others in Abuja.
Minority Whip of the House, Ali Isah issued the ultimatum yesterday after the FFS boss failed to honour the invitation.
It would be recalled that the incident, in which three siblings lost their lives, happened last Friday evening at ECOWAS junction in Wuse 2, Abuja, during a firefighting operation at Avenue Plaza around Banex axis of the nation’s capital.
The lawmaker disclosed that the House had observed a well circulated video on social media emerging from the scene of the accident, but had not seen any public statement from the fire service.
He thereafter directed that the service should immediately visit the family, engage and commiserate with them, take over the medical bills of those in the hospital and make arrangements for adequate compensation.
He advised the service to put measures in place to ensure that such incidents do not repeat itself.
“The non-appearance of the CG without any cogent reason is not appropriate. I do not think at this point there is any serious engagement that is more than the invitation from the National Assembly at a time we are all mourning the loss of lives.
“I believe I also support my colleagues that we have to request the CG to appear with all his team, either within 24 hours or maximum of 48 hours.
“But before then, the organisation has to engage the family where necessary, even if it means paying compensation.
“Government has to do that, the patient in the hospital, the agency has to take full responsibility of their bills and treatment,” he said.
Earlier, the Deputy Comptroller-General (Administration and Supplies), Mr Samuel Olumode said the service is remorseful over the incident.
He explained that the CG was not around in person as he had to attend to other state matters, but delegated him and other officers to represent him.
Olumode said no one would love to lose any life, especially because no one can create life or replace any once it is lost, blaming the incident on the urgency of the operation.
He explained that the fire truck driver involved in the accident did not stop for fear of mob action which he said was common.
The deputy controller-general, however, said the driver reported to the nearest police station and had been in detention since then.
Olumode explained that the service, led by the CG, had taken several actions including visiting the family of the deceased and those in the hospital.
He said a delegation of fire officers also attended the funeral service at the National Mosque.
He said the service had also issued a public apology which had been aired and published by major media organisations in the country.
