Former governor of Abia State and Senator representing Abia Central Senatorial district at the National Assembly, Senator T.A Orji has commended the Governor Okezie Ikpeazu led administration for its prompt response in putting off the fire incident at Masters Energy Filling Station Umuahia on Saturday 28th January, 2022.
The fire incident which occured at about 9:00am during the state’s monthly sanitation exercise quickly spread into the building housing Senator T.A Orji’s Senatorial/Liason office at Ojike Street Umuahia, causing collateral damage to properties before it was put off.
While conducting the Senator T.A Orji round the building to access the extent of damages done to his Senatorial office by the inferno, Hon Ifeanyi Umere, the Chief Liason Officer said the damage done was of utmost concern to him.
He told the Senator that he wept uncontrollably when the inferno got to his apartment, which led to the breaking of offices to evacuate properties and personal belongings with the help of Ochendo fans who rushed down to the office.
Speaking to newsmen at the site, Senator T.A Orji described the fire incident as unfortunate and thanked God that there were no lose of lives. As for the properties destroyed the senator said it would be replaced.
Said he “I thank God we didn’t lose any live, so we will replace whatever is lost to the inferno. This has shown that God is with us because this is the “Direct Touch” arena where we carry out our empowerment programmes and do a lot of things that benefit the masses. We have saved many lives here, this is a sacred place so don’t worry”, God is in control.
“I thank the state government and it’s officials particularly the Secretary to the State Government, SSG, the Chief of Staff, the fire service etc for their prompt response. They were here in person and participated in making sure the raging inferno was put off.
“I’ll like to appreciate my fans, ndi Ibeku and everyone that rushed to this office to help out in one way or the order. It’s a demonstration of the love people have for us because of what we are doing. It’s not everyone that people can respond to quickly like this to save the situation, while in distress”, Senator Orji argues.
He disclosed that during his tenure as governor, he insisted that Filling Stations should be located in areas mapped out for it due to these reasons, adding that he would meet the governor to address the issue and see how the policy could be maintained not to site Filling Stations near residential areas.
According to Senator Orji, the men of the fire service surprised him with the way they fought the inferno, insisting that they should be encouraged by providing them with modern fire fighting equipments.
He regretted the damage the inferno caused to his office, but explained that both the owner of the filling station and himself have incurred loses hence he won’t make any demand or claim damages against him.
Filling Station Fire Incident: Sen T.A Orji Commends Abia State Govt For Prompt Response
