Reps move to probe use of Hiace buses after Bayelsa auto crash deaths

The House of Representatives on Thursday mandated its Committee on Land Transport to investigate the use of Hiace buses for commercial transportation.

The committee is to carry out the function in conjunction with other committees that oversight functions of Standards Organization of Nigeria.

Stella Dorgu (Bayelsa-PDP), who moved the motion, expressed concern over incessant accidents associated with such buses in the country.

She added that many buses often burst into flames in the event of accident resulting in deaths.

Ms. Dorgu added that the investigation became imperative due the report of the World Health Oganisation on “Road Safety in African Region.”

According to her, the report states that Nigeria accounts for 33.7 per cent per 100,000 deaths on the roads every year in the African region.

The law maker cited the recent road accident in Bayelsa that led to the death of some prominent female politicians from the state to buttress her point.

She said that the politicians were burnt to death when their vehicles were involved in multiple crashes on the East-West road, Ahoada, Rivers.

“The road, which is under construction, has claimed the lives of many Nigerians on various occasions including Mrs. Imari Oba (mother of First Lady, Patience Jonathan) on July 23, 2013.

“Unnamed women and children burnt beyond recognition on 15 Nov. 15, 2013 and seven other Nigerians were killed in another vehicle crash on the road on Dec. 26, 2013.”

The Speaker, Aminu Tambuwal, referred the matter to the Committee on Federal Road Safety Commission for further legislative inputs.

(NAN)