Obiano charges Ndi Anambra to observe safety-first measures on the roads; My heart bled for Nanka accident victims – Mrs. Obiano

The  governor of Anambra State,Chief Willie Obiano has charged Ndi Anambra to observe safety first on the roads always especially during the Christmas celebrations to ensure safety of all road users. The governor who was represented by his Deputy, Dr. Nkem Okeke made the call at the Burial Mass held today for nine victims of road accident at St. Gregory DE Great Catholic Church Parish, Enugwu Nanka in Orumba North Local Government Area.

Dr. Nkem Okeke told the crowd of mournful worshipers at Nanka that governor Obiano who travelled to Abuja on official assignment is pained that he is unable to join in the Mass for the departed accident victims who include seven women and two men.

On my part, he stated “As Deputy I represent the Governor but I do not wish for this type of mass burial and I don’t wish anyone this experience. If anyone had told any of the victims that this will be their fate, they will not accept. But here we are. It is the duty of the government to provide roads but it is that of ‎the citizens to use it well and avoid loss of lives.”

Dr. Okeke emphasized the concern of the governor for good conduct by drivers who make use of the road networks across the state. He reiterated the commitment of the government to stem recklessness on the roads hence the engagement of traffic wardens, while also ensuring security of lives and property across the state.

He called on all to pray for the victims and that God will console their families; whilst urging all to remain undaunted and embrace the Christmas mood by o attending the Christmas Heritage Carol slated to hold next Monday at Upper Iweka.

Earlier, the wife of the Governor of Anambra State, Chief (Mrs.) Ebelechukwu Obiano said that her heart bled on receipt of the news of the accident when she traveled ‎out of the state. According to the governor’s wife, “It is with same heavy heart that I stand to commiserate with the Bishop, the Parish Priest and the berieved families.” She also echoed the concern for safety on the roads‎ and urged drivers to observe road signs.

In his homily during the Mass,‎ Catholic Bishop of Awka, Most Rev. Paulinus Ezeokafor‎, said the “Burial today reminds me of the Burial of twelve persons in February killed by Boko Haram. However, prayer is what we owe them today. Stop crying over spilt milk, we need to forge ahead and life has to go on. Perhaps it could have been prevented. It is very painful when people out of carelessness we destroy life. Our duty is to preserve life and no one should take life.”

He thanked the governor Willie Obiano for the keen interest in the Burial programme for the victims to ensure that they got a befitting burial. He noted that the fact the Deputy Governor, Dr. Nkem Okeke and Wife of the governor Chief (Mrs.) Ebelechukwu Obiano and many government officials were present in the Mass is a clear indication of the caring nature of the government we have in power at Awka.

Highlighting the commitment of the governor to the development of the state, the Bishop stated: “I am not the Accountant of the Anambra State Government but considering the economic situation in the country and what we hear about other states, the fact that Willie is working is a major  ‎point to note why the people are happy.”

Bishop Ezeokafor, told the mourners not to forget that the nine victims actually went to fulfill their obligation by doing their corporal work of mercy by attending a burial and hoping to return home afterwards but they never made it. We should be ready but that does not mean we should fold our hands. He urged all to pray especially for the bereaved families that though it is tough, they should take solace that they died a good death doing the work of God.

The nine victims were amongst the people involved in road accident on November 20, 2015, some of whom are still recovering in the hospital.

Meanwhile, wife of the Anambra State governor, Chief (Mrs.) Ebelechukwu Obiano, has expressed deep emotions over the gruesome death of the 10 Nanka accident victims.

The governor’s wife stated this at the weekend shortly after the Burial Mass for nine of the ten victims at St. Gregory De Great Catholic Parish Enugwu Nanka.

Seven of the victims were women while three were men.  The tenth victim said to be the driver of the ill-fated bus that conveyed the Christian mothers on the fateful day of the accident, was a member of the Anglican faith and will be buried on a different day.

The governor’s wife who confirmed that she got the shocking news while away on a programme with the wife of the President, and lost her composure crying over the tragic news,  said that there is no way she would have travelled had she learnt of the incident.

According to Mrs. Obiano, “although engaged far away, I immediately mobilized my women to visit the victims at the hospital and liaise with the relevant authorities and the bereaved families to see what could be done to help. I am also aware that the state government has been actively involved in providing help to the survivors.”

Wondering what could lead to such a tragic accident, Mrs. Obiano  cautioned that the fact that Anambra have one of the best road networks is not an excuse  for drivers to be reckless and endanger the lives of commuters and other road users, emphasizing that life was too  precious to be thrown away recklessly.

Chief (Mrs.) Obiano commiserated with the Bishop, the Parish Priest and the bereaved families. She praised the passion and commitment of the Catholic Women Association (CWO) who lost some of their fellow members to the crash for their service to the church and humanity. She also observed that the late members were actually carrying out their Christian obligation by attending the burial of a member but unfortunately died in the process, and prayed God to grant them eternal rest.

The Burial Mass which was presided over by the Catholic Bishop of Awka, Most Rev. Paulinus Ezeokafor‎, was attended by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Nkem Okeke who represented the governor and many government officials as well as the former National Chairman of APGA, Chief Sir Victor Umeh.