NLC blames Fed Govt, Kogi for Iyayi’s death

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC)
yesterday said the Federal Government
and the Kogi State government should be
held accountable for the death of Prof.
Festus Iyayi.
In a condolence message, the NLC said it
joined other Nigerians to mourn Prof
Festus Iyayi.
The late Iyayi was killed on Tuesday in a
road crash involving the convoy of Kogi
State Governor Wada Idris on the Lokoja-
Abuja Road.
NLC President Abdulwahed Omar, in a
statement, titled: Iyayi Did Not Deserve
to Die, said there was no justification for
leaving the road undone.
Blaming the governor for the academic's
death, Omar said: "Iyayi's death leaves a
sour taste in the mouth and is totally
avoidable. We blame the Federal
Government for criminal negligence on
the one hand and executive lawlessness/
impunity on the part of the Kogi State
governor.
"The Lokoja-Abuja stretch is arguably one
of the busiest in the country. The
contract for its dualisation was awarded
about 10 years ago. Quite sadly and
unfortunately, no appreciable work has
been done, thus turning the stretch into a
slaughter slab.
"In the light of the foregoing, the
congress holds the Federal Government
and the Kogi State government
accountable for the death of this eminent
scholar and patriot. Several other
Nigerians and non-Nigerian citizens have
perished on this road too.
"The congress holds the view that there is
no justification for leaving this road, and
indeed other critical roads undone.
Nigerians are keen to know the facts of
this contract. Government will be doing
very little to help itself if it shields the
criminals responsible for the non-
completion of this road instead of
prosecuting them."
NLC called on all siren-blowing and terror-
dealing convoys to exercise caution and
have a regard for other road users.
Omar insisted that no one had a
monopoly of the use of public roads or
thoroughfares.
The statement noted: "The Federal Road
Safety Corps and the police are invited to
diligently prosecute this executive
lawlessness. But besides, the congress
also urges the National Assembly to
criminalise fatal road crashes as part of
the process of bringing accountability to
road use."