SAD
We received with deep shock the tragic death of three Nigerian working Journalists who were members of NUJ in a road crash on the poot-hole ridden Federal Akure-Ilesa road in the State of Osun on Saturday August 3, 2013. The comrade journalists died on duty while returning to their bases after a national assignment of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), which held in Abuja on Thursday. Those reportedly died in the crash are Olatunde Ojenike, Chairman of the NUJ Radio Nigeria, Ibadan Network Centre chapter, Adolphus Okonkwo of the Voice of Nigeria and Kafayat Odunsi of the Nigeria Television Authority (NTA), Tejuosho, Lagos.
Our heartfelt sympathy goes to the dead, their dependants as well as the ten others that reportedly sustained injuries in the accident and are receiving treatment at the University Teaching Hosipital Ibadan namely Fatimah Abdulkareem, the National Treasurer of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Chairmen of Oyo and Lagos state councils of NUJ, Gbenga Opadokun and Deji Elumoye respectively. We pray and wish all of them a quick recovery.
REGRETABLE AND AVOIDABLE
The death of these Journalists and Comrades is highly regrettable as it was preventable if there were good road governance in terms of good and maintained road, and appropriate road safety measures. Indeed the sudden deaths of these working Journalists further points to crisis of governance in Nigeria.
Nigeria is already an unofficial global capital of “accidents”. It was time we woke up and demonstrated our sensitivity to halt road terrorism. Nigeria is fast degenerating into a Nation of mourners albeit without wars on accounts of avoidable and criminal “accidents”. An accident is defined as happenings “unexpected” or “unplanned”. From the serial catalogue of road deaths, these rude happenings are far from unexpected or unplanned when roads are unmotorable, drivers are reckless and road safety officials are not on duty. When accidents prove addictive as they are in Nigeria, they are anything but accidental. Addictive accidents mean incidents for which the governments at all levels must be held accountable.
It’s time President Jonathan declared emergency on Federal roads to stop these “accidents”. There must be time frame to fix all major highways and halt the ongoing road “murders.” There must be zero-tolerance to preventable suicidal driving and drivers. There must be enforceable speed limit with punishment for murderous and suicidal drivers. “Accidents” kill Nigerians more than malaria, HIV/AIDS attacks combined and yet “accidents” have cures in good roads, road governance, accident preventive measures and punishment for non-compliance.
COMMENDATION
We commend the Governor of the State of Osun, His Excellency, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola and his Oyo State counterpart, His Excellency Governor Abiola Ajimobi for the quick responses of their agencies which helped to reduce the number of casualties. The Deputy Governor of the State of Osun Otunba (Mrs.) Grace Laoye-Tomori was commendably at the scene of the accident helping to save lives which helped to reduce the number of casualties.
Again, we sympathize with the families of the deceased in particular and the National Union of Journalists (NUJ) for this irreparable loss. May the Almighty Allah grant us the fortitude to bear the losses and may the departed souls of our Comrades rest in perfect peace.
Issa Aremu mni
VICE PRESIDENT, NIGERIA LABOUR CONGRESS (NLC)
GENERAL SECRETARY, NATIONAL UNION OF TEXTILE, GARMENT AND TAILORING WORKERS OF NIGERIA (NUTGTWN)
