Asiwaju Condoles With Governor Uzodinma, Families of Victims of Imo Refinery Disaster

• The national leader of the ruling APC, Bola Tinubu has reacted to the recent explosion that rocked Imo state
• The presidential hopeful in a statement issued by his media office and sent to Legit.ng, Tinubu described the incident as an unspeakable tragedy
• The politician in an emotional letter to Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo state disclosed such occurrence should not be allowed to repeat itself in the state and within the country

All Progressives Congress (APC)'s national leader and frontline presidential aspirant, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, has commiserated with Governor Hope Uzodinma and the families, friends and loved ones of those who perished in the recent unfortunate Imo illegal refinery disaster.

In a statement sent to Legit.ng, he also sympathised with the people of Imo state over the loss of over 100 precious lives caused by an explosion at an illegal crude oil refining station in Abaezi Forest, Ohaji-Egbema Local Government Area of the state.

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Imo explosion: Hope Uzodimma mourns with Ohaji/Egbema people

In an emotional letter to Governor Uzodinma personally signed by Asiwaju Tinubu and made available to journalists on Monday by his Media Office, the presidential hopeful expressed deep sadness over the sad occurrence.

He said:

“I join all Nigerians in mourning the loss of over one hundred precious lives caused by an explosion at an illegal crude oil refining station in Abaezi forest, Ohaji-Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State.

“This devastating loss underscores the need for all concerned Nigerians to do what we can to discourage the type of improper activities that led to this unspeakable tragedy.

“I offer my sincere condolences to you, to the families, friends and loved ones of those who perished and to all the people of Imo State. As survivors begin the process of healing and recovery, may the dearly departed find peace and eternal rest in the embrace of God Almighty."

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Imo explosion: Buhari reacts, orders clampdown on illegal refineries

The presidential hopeful noted that such happenings should be prevented in the state and in Nigeria generally.

He affirmed:

“My thoughts and prayers are with all the people of Imo. This is a difficult moment for your state and for Nigeria. This senseless disaster must not be allowed to reoccur, in Imo or anywhere in Nigeria."

Tinubu also called for the arrest of sponsors and accomplices of the illegal refineries.

He added:

“The owner of the illegal refinery and his accomplices in his criminal enterprise must be apprehended and made to answer for this crime and its devastating consequences.

“As a nation, we can no longer turn a blind eye to criminality of this nature. The consequences are simply too much to bear.

I know how much you are troubled by the terrible event. I also know you will do your utmost to protect your citizens and drive these criminal outfits out of your state.

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“I offer you my support in your efforts to find a lasting solution to the underlying causes that lead people to put their lives and the lives of others at such immense risk. Together, we will drive them out of Nigeria.”

Dialogue not violence remains the solution, says Hope Uzodimma

In a previous report by Legit.ng, Governor Hope Uzodimma said dialogue remains the solution to addressing insecurity in Imo and other states of the federation.

The Imo governor on Saturday, April 9, urged trouble makers in the southeast to jettison violence in support of dialogue as the 2023 elections draw near.

Uzodimma further stated that destroying assets in the southeast region will not add value to the Igbos.

State of the nation: Buhari summons Uzodinma, power minister, economic adviser to Villa for emergency meeting

President Muhammadu Buhari summoned Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo state, the minister of power, Abubakar Aliyu, and the chief economic adviser, Prof Doyin Salami, to a meeting at the Presidential Villa on Monday afternoon, March 21.

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The senior special assistant to the president on media and publicity, Garba Shehu, made this known through a statement.

Buhari reacts to the Imo attack

While the president condemned the spate of violence in Imo state, he pledged to review the security situation in the southeast.

Source: Legit.ng