Hon. Nonso Okafor Moves Motion for Compensation Nnewi Timber Market Fire Victims

By Izunna Okafor, Awka

The member representing Nnewi North Constituency in the Anambra State House of Assembly, Hon. Nonso Smart Okafor, has called on the Anambra State Government to compensate the victims of the recent outbreak that razed the Timber Market in Nnewi, which affected many shops and damaged goods worth millions of naira.

Hon. Okafor made the call at the Anambra State's House of Assembly, while moving a motion to that effect, during which he also called on the State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano, to set up a panel of enquiry to properly investigate and ascertain the actual cause of the inferno that pauperized many, so as to avoid future occurrence.

Explaining the motion, he said, "Moved by the sad tales of victims of the Nnewi Timber market which was razed by fire, on resumption of plenary today, Tuesday, 2nd March, 2021, I moved a Motion calling on the Governor of Anambra State, His Excellency, Chief Dr. Willie Obiano, to set up a panel of enquiry to ascertain the cause(s) of the inferno that razed Nnewi Timber Market, profer solution to avert future occurrence and compensate the affected traders. 

"Rising under Matter of Urgent Public Importance, I noted that Ọgbọ Osisi, the timber market in Nnewi, which is known for timbers and other forms of building materials was ravaged by fire on Wednesday, 17th February, 2021, destroying goods which reportedly worth billions of Naira.

"The fire which started under controversial circumstances reportedly gutted over 100 shops, hundreds of sawing and curving machines worth millions of naira each, affecting over 100 traders.  

"Moving the motion, I called on the Governor to order an investigation to unravel the cause of the fire disaster.

"If viewed from the obvious, most of the traders have lost their only means of survival hence the need for government to intervene and support them financially."