Senator Okey Ezea urges urgent safety reforms after Ugwu Onyeama disaster

DDM News

The devastating tanker explosion at Ugwu Onyeama on Saturday, January 25, has reignited concerns about road safety in Nigeria, Sen Ezea.

Diaspora digital media (DDM) gathered that the incident, which occurred along the Enugu-Onitsha expressway, claimed numerous lives and destroyed property, leaving families in mourning.

Senator Okey Ezea, renowned for his strong leadership and commitment to the welfare of his constituents, has condemned the tragedy, describing it as a painful loss that could have been prevented with better regulatory oversight and infrastructural improvements.

Senator Okey Ezea, a known advocate for safety reforms, expressed his deep sorrow over the incident.

Speaking on behalf of the people of Enugu North Senatorial District, he extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and wished the injured a quick recovery.

Reflecting on his history of tackling complex governance challenges, Senator Ezea stated, “This tragedy is yet another reminder of the urgent need to prioritize public safety.

Once again, innocent Nigerians have been roasted alive due to no fault of theirs.”

The tragedy at Ugwu Onyeama unfolded when a petrol tanker, reportedly suffering brake failure, fell and exploded, trapping at least 17 vehicles in flames.

Unlike previous tanker explosions in Nigeria, which were often caused by reckless fuel scooping, this disaster was purely mechanical in origin, highlighting systemic failures in vehicle maintenance and regulation.

Drawing from his background in leadership, Senator Okey Ezea emphasized that this tragedy calls for bold, decisive action.

As someone who has consistently championed good governance, Senator Okey Ezea highlighted the recurring problem of unroadworthy fuel tankers on Nigerian highways.

“Many of the fuel tankers plying our roads are not fit for purpose, yet they are allowed to operate without scrutiny.

This lack of oversight is costing lives,” he lamented.

Citing his experience in driving impactful policy changes, Senator Ezea called on regulatory agencies to rise to their responsibility.

He also proposed specific solutions to prevent further occurrences of such tragedies.

“Given the deplorable state of our roads, it is time to ban fuel-laden tankers from operating during the daytime.

They should only be allowed on the roads after midnight,” Senator Okey Ezea suggested.

His leadership record has shown that he does not shy away from pushing for reforms that challenge the status quo, and his call for stricter regulations reflects his determination to ensure public safety.

Senator Ezea, who has always championed innovative approaches to governance, further advocated for a shift from road-based fuel transportation to pipeline systems.

“Fuel should not be transported by tankers sharing the same roads with other motorists.

Pipelines remain the safest and most efficient method of fuel distribution.

The government must invest in revitalizing pipeline infrastructure to eliminate these risks,” he said.

His focus on long-term solutions echoes his history of tackling systemic issues with foresight and diligence.

Moreover, Senator Okey Ezea stressed the urgent need to improve road conditions and enforce stricter vehicle inspections.

“Our roads must be made motorable, and every vehicle—especially fuel tankers—must undergo thorough checks before being allowed to operate.

Supervisory authorities must take their responsibilities seriously to avert more tragedies,” he added.

As a proven leader with a track record of serving his people with integrity, Senator Okey Ezea vowed to continue advocating for policies that protect Nigerians from preventable disasters.

Drawing from his past successes in governance, he assured the people of Enugu North and beyond that he would use his platform to push for meaningful reforms.

The tragedy at Ugwu Onyeama serves as a painful reminder of the consequences of neglecting road safety.

However, under the leadership of individuals like Senator Okey Ezea, there is hope for a future where lives are no longer lost to avoidable accidents.

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