FIC Report (Kwara State) – The Kwara State House of Assembly has initiated efforts to prevent marine accidents on the state waterways.
This became necessary after member representing Bani/Adena/Gwanebe/Gweria Constituency Hon. Saidu Baba Ahmed raised a matter of General Public Importance and seconded by member representing Ilorin South Constituency, Hon. Maryam Aladi on Tuesday plenary.
Hon. Saidu Baba Ahmed drew the attention of the House to the recent boat mishap in Gwajibo Village where 285 passengers heading for a Maulid Nabbiy celebration capsized on the river Niger.
He blamed the maritime disaster on overloading which resulted in 92 victims being rescued alive, and over 100 death recovered, leaving the entire Kwara in a state of mourning.
The National Inland Waterways Authority was also criticized for negligence as the agency is supposed to regulate the activities on waterways.
The lawmaker emphasized the importance of safety measures, advising passengers to always wear life jackets and adhere to other essential precautions for secure water travel.
In their separate contributions, Hon. Arinola Lawal and Hon. Abdullahi Danbaba representing Ilorin East Constituency and Kaiama/Kemanji/Wojibe Constituency respectively said the government cannot do it alone advising citizens to always try and take safety precautions.
Some other members also shared their thoughts and perspectives on the matter.
The Speaker of the Assembly, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Salihu Danladi, while reading the resolutions of the House, urged the Emergency Management Agency to liaise with the National Emergency Agency and provide relief materials to the families of the victims.
The House also urged the Ministry of Works and Transport to liaise with the National Inland Waterways Authority on the need to deploy their staff on waterways with a view to enforce precaution guidelines.
Signed
Aina Blessing
