The Speaker of the Bauchi State House of assembly Abubakar Suleiman has pledged the assembly’s readiness to collaborate with the executive arm of government in the state to provide palliative to the victims of Thursday inferno at the Muda Lawal market.
Speaker Abubakar made the pledge on Friday when he led other members of the assembly on a visit to the scene of the fire incident that engulfed some parts of the Market in Bauchi Metropolis.
A press statement made available to newsmen in Bauchi by the spokesman of the Speaker Abdul Burra said the Speaker who went round the affected areas, sympathized with the leaders of the market and all the victims of the inferno.
“Although, the Government may not be able to compensate the lost recorded hundred percent, the State Assembly will work with the Executive Arm to ensure a palliative was given to the victims so that they can restore their businesses”, the Speaker noted.
While describing the fire incident as sad and heart-touchig, the speaker called on the victims to take solace and see it as destiny from Almighty Allah who tests the faith of His servants with bad and good fates.
Earlier Speaking, member representing Bauchi Central Constituency, Hon. Jamilu Umaru Dahiru said the inferno which led to lost of a life and properties has deeply touched the hearts of the members of Bauchi State House of Assembly thus the reason of their prompt visit.
“We are currently suffering from the scourge of coronavirus pandemic and lassa fever and another calamity befall on us in Muda Lawan Market.
“We pray; may Allah bring these calamities to an end. Markets are the backbone of our economy, thus; they are essential to our lives. We pray to Almighty Allah to protect us and end these calamities. May the the gentle soul of the deceased killed by the fire rest in peace”, he said.
In his response, the Chairman of Muda Lawan Market Traders and Artisans Association Alhaji Bala Mai Kaji thanked the Speaker and his colleagues who accompanied him for the brotherly visit to sympathize with him.
Alhaji Bala Mai Kaji requested the Speaker to extend their gratitude to Governor Bala Mohammad for visiting the scene few hours after the incident and his directive for the immediate reconstruction of the affected shops as well as palliatives he pledged to the victims which will come through the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA).
He urged the Speaker to advocate to all wealthy individuals in the State to come to the rescue of the traders who lost everything to the inferno so that their businesses which engaged hundreds of households will be restored.
One of the victims Alhaji Abdullahi Mai Katifa narrated how the fire burnt to ashes his entire shop and his car including two million naira cash in it and his neighbour’s son.
He thanked the Speaker, Governor and members of Bauchi State House of Assembly for their concern with their plight.
At the end of the visit, the Speaker made personal donation of 30 bags of cement, Hon. Jamilu Umaru Dahiru (Bauchi Central Constituency) donated 20 bags while Hon. Musa Wakili Nakwada (Bogoro Constituency) donated 10 bags.
